Robin Uthappa has publicly questioned India’s T20I team selection, specifically advocating for Sanju Samson’s return to the opening lineup after Shubman Gill’s golden duck in the second T20I against South Africa. Uthappa emphasized Samson’s excellent 2024 record and voiced concerns over Gill’s current form and approach. He called for greater clarity in the team’s strategy as preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup intensify.
The recent match in Dharamsala saw Shubman Gill depart without scoring, reigniting discussions about India’s T20I opening strategy and the rationale behind dropping Sanju Samson. This tactical shift has drawn criticism, especially given Samson’s significant run-scoring spree in 2024, a period leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Gill was reinstated as an opener and appointed vice-captain for the 2025 Asia Cup after a prolonged period away from the T20 format. Since his comeback, he has struggled to convert starts into substantial scores, currently facing a 17-innings drought without a T20I fifty, the longest for an Indian batter in the format. This slump has prompted renewed debate on why a previously effective opening partnership, featuring Samson and Abhishek Sharma, was disrupted despite their strong recent performances.