Mohammad Kaif hailed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors’ decision to name Shubman Gill as the Indian team’s new T20I vice-captain. On Tuesday, August 19, head selector Ajit Agarkar and skipper Suryakumar Yadav named a 15-man roster for next month’s Asia Cup. Gill returned to the T20I squad, replacing Axar Patel as Suryakumar’s deputy.
Shubman Gill hasn’t played for India in T20 since the July 2024 tour of Sri Lanka.
In June, he was one of the reserve players for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Yashasvi Jaiswal was India’s reserve opener at the major tournament. However, for the Asia Cup, the Punjab hitter edged over Jaiswal and made the squad.
Kaif said that Gill showcased his leadership skills during the Test tour of England, which concluded earlier this month. The 25-year-old finished as the highest run-getter and helped India level the series 2-2. Kaif also mentioned that Gill has performed well as the captain of Gujarat Titans and that helped him earn a promotion in the Indian T20 side.
“Why was he made vice-captain? It’s because he has leadership qualities. We saw in England that he led brilliantly, levelled the series at 2-2. He scored runs with the bat. The selectors, especially Ajit Agarkar, once quoted that they go to the dressing room and talk with the players about how Gill is leading the team for Gujarat. This (comment) was made during IPL. The way Gill worked with the Gujarat Titans there was great news. Everyone praised him. Gill, the leader, performed excellently,” said Kaif in a video on his YouTube channel.
“What will be the playing XI? Who will bowl when, and he looked good tactically as well. This was Agarkar’s point of view, and after that, the team was made for the Test match. Gill was made captain for the England tour, and of course, it’s praiseworthy because I saw him closely in the IPL,” he added.
See, the selectors always keep in mind IPL’s performance: Mohammad Kaif
Kaif noted that Gill has scored almost 2000 runs in his last three seasons in the IPL at an impressive strike rate. The cricketer-turned-expert opined that the selectors take note of IPL performances.
“He led brilliantly, and his bat never stops. If you look at his performance in IPL over the last three years, he has scored nearly 2000 runs. The strike rate is in 150s. So, there is no lack in any area. See, the selectors always keep in mind IPL’s performance,” said Kaif.
India are placed in Group A with Pakistan, Oman and hosts UAE. The Men in Blue start their campaign against the UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10.
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