With every passing match—and with every passing failure of Shubman Gill—the pressure on the Indian team management continues to mount. The knives, quite clearly, are out. And now, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has openly questioned one decision that has left fans and experts puzzled.
The question is simple: when something was working, why was it broken?
The Opening Pair That Worked
Before Shubman Gill’s return to the T20I setup, India had found a highly effective opening combination in Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The duo rewrote record books in 2024. If Abhishek didn’t score, Samson did—and often in spectacular fashion.
They notched up frequent century partnerships and gave India explosive starts. Their approach was extreme but effective: it was either a big score or nothing at all. That risk-reward formula was delivering results.
A Partnership Suddenly Discarded
After the England series, the team management decided that Sanju Samson need not be part of the opening combination anymore. The partnership was broken, and Shubman Gill was brought back into the mix.
This is where Robin Uthappa, speaking during a live commentary session, took the management to task.
“What did the Abhishek–Samson partnership do so grossly wrong that it had to be replaced?”
Uthappa pointed out that in every series post-World Cup in 2024, despite delivering results, the opening pair kept getting reshuffled.
Samson’s Performances Tell a Different Story
Yes, Sanju Samson struggled a bit in Sri Lanka. But he bounced back strongly:
- A solid series in South Africa
- A great series against Bangladesh
- Three T20I centuries in a single year
At a time when Shubman Gill was not in favour in the T20 setup, India relied on Sanju Samson—and he delivered.
So the obvious question remains:
If Samson was finally given a long rope, why was it cut so short?
The Position Problem
Sanju Samson is an opener. His numbers at the top of the order back that up. His average sits just below Abhishek Sharma’s. Yet, with Gill’s inclusion, Samson was:
- Pushed into the middle order
- Made to bat out of position
- Gradually phased out
Uthappa highlighted a crucial moment: Samson was given an opportunity on one of the toughest pitches in Australia—Melbourne—where he failed. Since then, he hasn’t been picked again.
Is one failure really enough to erase an entire year of performances?
The Ripple Effect: More Players Miss Out
Samson’s omission and Gill’s inclusion have had wider consequences. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rinku Singh are also struggling to find places in the XI.
This isn’t just about one player—it’s about team balance and clarity of roles.
“Justice for Sanju” Grows Louder
The phrase “Justice for Sanju” has been trending for a long time. And it resurfaces with greater force every time Shubman Gill fails to deliver.
The frustration among fans is not emotional—it’s logical. Performances are being overlooked, while opportunities seem inconsistent.
Another Point of Concern: Credit Where It’s Due
Uthappa also raised another issue—the lack of public credit given to senior players.
He pointed out that Gautam Gambhir did not sufficiently acknowledge Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (“Ro-Ko”) despite:
- Rohit being Player of the Series and leading run-getter in one series
- Virat being Player of the Series in South Africa
A brief mention of “experience in the dressing room” isn’t enough, Uthappa argued. Such statements can later be used to label them as non-committal players.
Where Is the Vision?
No one knows what will happen in:
- 2026
- 2027
- Or even the next T20I series
Cricket doesn’t follow predictions. Matches expected to be won—like the one in Chandigarh—can still be lost.
So the question isn’t about sharpening knives.
It’s about creating a secure, consistent environment for players.
Time Is Running Out
India has only eight T20I matches left before the T20 World Cup.
Has the damage already been done?
Or is there still time to undo it?
That is the question the team management must answer—quickly.
