Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has opined that Shubman Gill has come back with question marks everywhere after the T20I series against Australia. Gill scored 132 runs in five matches at an average of 44 and a strike rate of 136.08 against Australia, with two unbeaten knocks of 37 and 29.
The Indian opener had only managed 43 runs in three ODIs against Australia. Furthermore, the right-hander had scored only 127 runs in seven matches of the Asia Cup and he hasn’t yet nailed his opening spot in T20Is.
Gill had scored 20-ball 37 against Australia in the opening T20I at Canberra before rain played killjoy.
“Shubman Gill was batting really well in Canberra, and it rained. After that, he was batting well in the last match in Brisbane, and it rained. Rain came both times he was actually batting well. He looked to be in good form many times in this series, but those many runs weren’t scored,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“This tour was like a damp squib for him, where it was expected that he would stamp his authority, but that didn’t happen. In fact, he has come back with just question marks everywhere. I, personally, don’t feel there are question marks. The home series will give us a little more insight, but the questions will remain because the Indian team plays cricket like that,” he added.
On the other hand, the renowned commentator showered praise on Abhishek Sharma’s performances against Australia. Sharma top-scored in the five-match series against Australia with 163 runs in five games at an average of 40.75 and a strike rate of 161.39. Thus, he was awarded Player of the Series for his consistent show.
“It was a very difficult question as to how he (Abhishek) would play, whether his playing style would work in Australia. Can you even play like that there? He said it doesn’t make a difference, whether (Josh) Hazlewood is there or not, that he would throw his bat, whether (Xavier) Bartlett, (Nathan) Ellis, or whoever else comes,” he said.
The former Delhi cricketer said the left-hander proved why he is the number one batter in the ICC T20I rankings.
“Of course, luck favored him a little, but luck favors the brave. When he went to Australia, he went as the No. 1 batter in the T20I rankings, but the truth is that until someone hits Australia in Australia, they aren’t considered No. 1. So the way Abhishek Sharma batted, he has been very good. The rise and rise of Abhishek Sharma is beautiful to watch,” Chopra observed.
Abhishek will be next seen in action in a five-match T20I series against South Africa.
