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Irfan Pathan said Shubman Gill’s appointment as T20 vice-captain with Suryakumar Yadav’s consent will boost Indian cricket.
India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill (PTI)
Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Shubman Gill’s return as T20 vice-captain ahead of the Asia Cup will benefit the Indian team in the long run. Pathan emphasized that the 25-year-old batsman aims to prove his worth through aggressive batting.
Gill rejoined the shortest format for the continental tournament following a successful debut series as Test captain. Pathan explained that this move would not impose additional pressure on current leader Suryakumar Yadav.
“This selection of being vice-captain of Shubman Gill without the consent of Surya Kumar Yadav would not have happened,” Pathan was quoted as saying during an interaction organised by Sony Sports.
Pathan highlighted that the decision to appoint Gill as vice-captain was made with Suryakumar Yadav’s consent. He remarked that Suryakumar’s duties extend beyond performance to nurturing leadership and team growth, which he has already commenced.
Pathan noted that some might view this as a source of pressure for Suryakumar, but it is actually beneficial for Indian cricket in the long term, solidifying Suryakumar’s status as a respected leader within the cricketing community.
“His (Suryakumar’s) responsibility is not only to perform, not only to actually look after the team, but at the same time grow leadership, grow the team and he has started (doing) that.
“People might think that puts pressure on him, but what he is doing, it’s actually doing world of good to Indian cricket in the long term and it will put Suryakumar Yadav (as) a proper leader who is respected, especially in the cricketing community,” he added.
Pathan further stated that Gill is determined to demonstrate his capabilities. He acknowledged Gill’s impressive performance in recent IPL seasons and mentioned that the Indian team is now prioritizing a higher strike rate and aggressive play. He expressed confidence that Gill would adapt to this role without issues, contributing effectively to the team’s needs.
Can Shubman Gill Succeed In Asia Cup?
According to Pathan, Gill will especially strive to prove his prowess in aggressive cricket, given his skill set and extensive range.
“What we have seen this season, the way he played, the amount of runs he scored in last few seasons in the IPL as well. Now the Indian team has gone to (scoring at) higher strike rate.
“They want to just be very aggressive. I don’t think so there will be an issue for Gill to start playing (an) aggressive role and do what team demands of him.
“More than anyone else in this group, Gill will go there and try to prove a point in terms of playing aggressive cricket. He has the ability and he has got a lot of range,” Pathan added.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
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