Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja believes that Shubman Gill’s preference over Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the T20I setup is no accident. According to him, Gill is seen as the future of Indian cricket — and that reputation is earning him privileges.
Gill Given the Edge in T20Is
Gill recently made his return to T20Is during India’s Asia Cup opener against UAE. Despite being out of the format for almost a year, he was not only recalled but also handed the vice-captaincy of the squad.
This, Jadeja feels, shows the level of trust the selectors and management have placed in him, even when proven performers like Sanju Samson and Jaiswal are waiting on the sidelines.
A Player Marked for the Future
Gill’s rise has been rapid. Earlier this year, he was appointed Test captain for the England series, where he scored over 700 runs in five matches. Now, at just 26, he has already been earmarked as a long-term leader in Indian cricket.
“Everyone has put their hopes on him. There’s something special about him, no doubt,” Jadeja said on Sony Sports. “If he is brought in ahead of someone like Jaiswal or Sanju, who scored three consecutive centuries, then you can imagine how privileged he is. He is the Chosen One.”
Faith and Pressure Go Hand in Hand
Jadeja admitted that while Gill may not feel the pressure to prove his place, there is a different kind of burden — living up to the privileges given to him.
“Everyone hopes he is someone for the long haul. He’s consistent, and it’s not only about cricket — even as a person, he’s shown maturity. He’s seen as a future captain, so he’s naturally getting all these advantages. But with that comes the pressure of privilege,” Jadeja explained.
Signs of Promise Against UAE
Gill wasted little time making an impact on his return. In India’s nine-wicket win over UAE, he smashed an unbeaten 20 off just nine balls while chasing down a modest target of 58.
Jadeja believes that innings was enough to justify the selectors’ faith. “From what we saw in that short knock, he has repaid the trust. If India continue with eight batters, then consistency may not matter as much. His strike rate will only get better from here,” Jadeja predicted.
The Bigger Picture
While Jaiswal and Samson continue to make their case with the bat, Gill’s reputation as the “future captain” seems to have tilted the scales in his favor. With India looking at building a strong leadership group for years to come, Gill appears to be the one carrying that responsibility.
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