Sanju Samson used to attain runs at a strike charge of 175

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has questioned Shubman Gill’s approach in the first T20I against South Africa. He noted that the Indian vice-captain is potentially trying to emulate Sanju Samson, who used to bat aggressively at the top of the order.

Gill was dismissed for a two-ball four as India set South Africa a 176-run target in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9. The hosts then bowled the visitors out for 74 to register a comprehensive 101-run win.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, ‘Aakash Chopra,’ the former India batter reckoned that Samson‘s exploits as an opener might be forcing Gill to adopt an ultra-aggressive approach.

“What is Shubman Gill trying to do? I ask this question because it seems like he doesn’t play like this, but is trying to play like that. Why would he be doing that? It seems like he is too hasty to hit. The way he got out in Cuttack, he hit a four off the first ball, and then he jumped out and hit the next ball,” Chopra said. (1:15)

“What could be the reasons behind that? He is feeling slightly obliged. Sanju Samson was the player who was opening before him. Sanju Samson used to score runs at a strike rate of 175. He scored three centuries as well. Of course, he got out early as well, but has three centuries to his name and a strike rate of 175. You can’t take that away from Sanju Samson,” he added.

Shubman Gill hit a four off the first ball he faced in the first T20I against South Africa. He attempted another big shot off the next delivery, but only managed to hit Lungi Ngidi straight down Marco Jansen’s throat at mid-off.

“India were also running close to 250-275” – Aakash Chopra on the other potential reason behind Shubman Gill’s aggressive approach

In the same video, Aakash Chopra noted that Shubman Gill might also be batting overaggressively because India have been targeting 250-plus totals in T20Is.

“India were also running close to 250-275. He is feeling the pressure of two things. Firstly, because Sanju Samson plays like that, he too should play like that because he has come in his place, and that is always spoken about,” he said. (2:10)

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that social media won’t spare Gill just because he has returned from an injury break.

“Social media must be on fire today as well, although you have to cut him some slack because he was playing his first competitive game since the neck sprain he had at the Eden Gardens. So you can be slightly undercooked. However, social media won’t agree with that,” Chopra observed.

To conclude, Aakash Chopra highlighted that Shubman Gill has rarely been seen getting out playing such shots. The analyst reiterated that Sanju Samson’s overarching shadow is potentially impacting the Indian Test and ODI captain and that he needs to realize the pitch matters more than philosophy.