Gold Coast: As India gears up to face Australia in the pivotal fourth T20I at Bill Pippen Oval, the spotlight is firmly on vice-captain Shubman Gill’s persistent struggles.
With the series locked at 1-1, this clash is crucial for both teams to gain an edge before the final match in Sydney. India, yet to lose a T20I series in Australia, faces a stern test on a venue hosting its first men’s international match, presenting unfamiliar conditions.
Gill’s form remains a pressing concern. In three matches, he has managed only 57 runs, extending a lean patch spanning 10 T20I innings without fifty, including a lacklustre Asia Cup. His struggles have disrupted India’s batting order, with coach Gautam Gambhir accommodating Gill and pushing Sanju Samson from opener to middle order, where he faltered, leading to his exclusion in the third T20I. Fans and analysts are now questioning whether Gambhir will make the bold call to drop Gill, potentially reinstating Samson as an opener, where he has previously excelled.
Meanwhile, India’s probable playing XI may see a tweak, with Harshit Rana likely to replace Jasprit Bumrah, who could be rested ahead of the Test series starting November 14. Jitesh Sharma, after a match-winning cameo in Hobart, is expected to continue as wicketkeeper-finisher, alongside a potent spin trio of Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakravarthy. With Abhishek Sharma’s explosive starts needing support, India’s top order must fire to maintain their unbeaten T20I series record in Australia.