Ashish Nehra Defends Shubman Gill After T20I Struggles

Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra has come out in strong support of India’s Shubman Gill, defending the 26-year-old against mounting criticism following his poor performances in the ongoing T20I series. Gill has struggled significantly in the first two matches, scoring just 4 runs in Cuttack and a duck in Mullanpur, raising serious questions about his place in the playing XI.

Patience Required for Young Talent

Speaking to PTI, Nehra emphasized that judging Gill based on a few poor performances would be unfair to the player. The Gujarat Titans coach stressed that time and patience are essential for the young batsman to regain his confidence and form. Nehra’s statement comes at a critical juncture when critics are calling for Gill’s removal from the squad, with suggestions that other players like Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh should be reconsidered.

Backing Quality and Past Success

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has also expressed confidence in Gill’s abilities, highlighting his quality as a batsman and his proven track record in the IPL. The support from Gill’s franchise coaches underscores their belief that the current poor run is temporary and that the player possesses the talent to bounce back. This backing is crucial for the young cricketer’s morale during a challenging phase of his international career.

Gill’s struggles mark a significant shift from India’s dominant T20I performance six months ago, when the team completely overhauled its approach. His inclusion as vice-captain in the Asia Cup squad displaced other players, making his current form all the more consequential for both team dynamics and individual career prospects.