Irfan Pathan Expresses Confidence In Shubman Gill, Says He Can Adjust To Whatever Role Team Demands

Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma have been chosen as India's opening batsmen. Both players are expected to embrace a more aggressive T20I batting approach, with Gill's improved performance and leadership playing a crucial role.

India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign will see a fresh look at the top of the order. Shubman Gill, appointed vice-captain, will open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Sanju Samson makes way despite his successful partnership with Abhishek.

For many, the move raises questions. Can Gill, known for his measured starts, adapt to India’s new fearless T20I template? Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan thinks so.

Pathan pointed out that Gill’s batting has evolved significantly. In his early days with KKR, Gill’s strike rate hovered around 125. Now, after a breakout IPL season where he scored 600+ runs at a strike rate of 155, he has proved he can accelerate from ball one when needed.

“Gill has improved his T20 cricket a lot,” Pathan said, adding that leadership responsibility will push him to take greater initiative.

While Gill reclaims his spot, Abhishek Sharma remains undroppable. His fearless batting and consistency have provided India with blazing starts, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar has already underlined his importance to the side.

With Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Gill as deputy, India’s T20I side is banking on a leadership group that can inspire aggressive intent. Pathan noted that Gill doesn’t need to overhaul his game completely, stressing the importance of players who can bat across gears, especially in tough conditions.

“You should not be obsessed with strike rate all the time,” Pathan advised. “Situational awareness is just as important.”

Gill’s current record—578 runs in 21 matches at a strike rate of 139.27—shows he’s more than capable of adapting. Having already led India successfully in Tests in England, he now faces a new challenge: cementing his role in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 build-up.