Gill, already India’s captain in ODIs and Tests, is the vice-captain in T20Is, where Suryakumar Yadav leads the team. But Gill’s returns since coming back into the T20I team from the Asia Cup have raised questions. In 14 T20I innings this year, Gill has scored just 263 runs, while averaging 23.9 and the strike rate standing at 142.93, without a single fifty to show so far.

With the five-game T20I series between India and South Africa currently standing at 1-1, the focus shifts to Gill’s form ahead of the game in Dharamsala. “I’d clarify his role: no need for big shots—stick to proper cricketing strokes with so many quick scorers behind you.”

“Lay the platform, especially in crunch situations or low-scoring games. India need a batter who can tackle tough overs, handle the new ball and survive early breakthroughs like Shubman’s dismissal on the first ball,” said Bangar on JioStar.

With the five-game T20I series between India and South Africa currently standing at 1-1, the focus shifts to Gill’s form ahead of the game in Dharamsala. “I’d clarify his role: no need for big shots—stick to proper cricketing strokes with so many quick scorers behind you.”

After the game is over in Dharamsala, India, and South Africa will play two remaining games of the series at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow and Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 17 and 19, respectively.