Irfan Pathan Supports Shubman Gill’s Return to T20I Team
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan believes that Shubman Gill’s return to the T20I team will not create any pressure for captain Suryakumar Yadav. Gill has been named the vice-captain for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 after a year away from T20Is.
Some fans have raised concerns that Gill’s presence could disrupt Yadav’s leadership, especially considering the positive changes in the team since the T20 World Cup in 2024. However, Pathan asserts that Yadav is not the type to feel insecure about his role as captain. He sees this move as a part of a larger strategy for building a strong team for the future.
Pathan stated, “Shubman was vice-captain before shifting his focus to Test cricket. His appointment wouldn’t have happened without Surya’s approval. This shows Surya’s awareness of the bigger picture. At 34, he understands his role goes beyond just playing; it’s about nurturing future leaders as well.”
Moreover, Pathan dismissed any notions of insecurity from Yadav, emphasizing that the inclusion of Gill is a long-term benefit for Indian cricket. “Some may see it as added pressure for Surya, but it actually reflects his maturity as a leader. He knows that this development will only enhance his standing in the cricketing community.”
Gill last played in T20Is against Sri Lanka in July 2024 and had also captained the team during the Zimbabwe tour post-World Cup. In his T20I career, he has scored 578 runs across 21 matches, with a batting average of 30.42, including one century and three fifties. The upcoming Asia Cup will determine his batting position, especially with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma having secured their spots at the top of the order.
Published By: Rishabh Beniwal
Published On: Sep 2, 2025
