Former player Robin Uthappa is backing Shubman Gill to continue as an opener for India in T20Is despite his ordinary numbers. Critics are questioning Gill’s place in the squad since he returned to the shortest format for the Asia Cup 2025. The right-handed batter has failed to justify his selection since his comeback. Uthappa feels Gill should retain his spot at the top of the order, while Sanju Samson can bat at the No.3 position.

“I am not in favour of a change in the opening combination. I would like to see Samson playing at No.3, Tilak at No.4 and Suryakumar at No. 5. Suryakumar looks good when he bats after the powerplay overs. Tilak is a key player, and his batting style is right for the No.4 slot,” Uthappa said on JioStar.

Uthappa said that this batting order would allow the top-order batters to bat freely and set the momentum. He urged Gill to anchor the innings like Virat Kohli.

“This will allow the openers and the No.3 batter to go after the bowlers. Shubman Gill can anchor the innings by taking some time. Every other batter can play aggressively around him. India can still show aggression while Gill scores his runs at a strike rate of 140-150. It is similar to what Virat did in the 2024 T20 World Cup,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson was recalled to the side in Gill’s absence in the fifth T20I against South Africa and amassed 37 runs off 22 balls. He has once again reminded the selectors about his talent and skills.

With just five matches left before the 2026 T20 World Cup, it remains to be seen whether the team management will give preference to Samson or if Gill gets more opportunities.