Shubman Gill’s struggle with the bat continued as India faced a tough challenge in the first T20 match against the West Indies. Gill, who has been out of form since the IPL, could only manage to score three runs off nine deliveries before being stumped by Akeal Hosein.
This disappointing performance adds to Gill’s recent batting woes, despite his impressive knock of 85 in the third ODI against the West Indies at the same venue. In the second ODI, he was dismissed in a similar fashion while trying to break free from the pressure imposed by left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie.
Before his 85 in the deciding ODI, Gill had struggled to score runs against the West Indies, managing only 86 runs in four matches (two Tests and two ODIs) at an average of 21.50. His lackluster performance in the opening T20 match means that he has now gone 11 out of 12 innings without scoring a half-century across formats since his brilliant century against Australia in the final Test at Ahmedabad.
Despite his recent struggles, Gill had a remarkable IPL season for the Gujarat Titans, scoring 890 runs in 17 matches at an average of nearly 60, which earned him the Orange Cap.
Earlier this year, Gill was in sensational form, scoring four stunning centuries in just seven games against Sri Lanka and New Zealand at home. This incredible run included his maiden ODI double-century and a T20I century against the Kiwis.
However, his sudden loss of form is a cause for concern, especially with the ICC ODI World Cup scheduled to take place in India in just two months. Many fans expressed their disappointment on Twitter, questioning Gill’s ability to score runs on pitches outside of India.
In the first T20 match, the West Indies batted first and set a modest total of 149/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Rovman Powell and the in-form Nicholas Pooran both contributed crucial forties to rescue the West Indies from an early collapse.
India stumbled in their chase, losing openers Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan within the powerplay to reach 28/2. Debutant Tilak Varma injected some momentum into the Indian innings with a quickfire 39 off 22 deliveries and shared a vital 39-run partnership with his Mumbai Indians teammate Suryakumar Yadav.
However, the dismissal of Varma and Yadav at crucial junctures left India in a precarious situation at 77/4 after 11 overs, needing 73 runs from 54 deliveries.
As it stands, India is on track to maintain their winning streak against the West Indies, requiring just 37 runs from 30 deliveries. Skipper Hardik Pandya and middle-order batsman Sanju Samson are currently involved in an unbeaten 36-run partnership.
India will be keen on continuing their dominant performance against the West Indies in the T20 format. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill will have to find a way to regain his form and contribute significantly with the bat for his team in the upcoming matches.
