Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has called on head coach Gautam Gambhir to give Shubman Gill a break from India’s T20I setup after the opener struggled in the first three matches of the series against South Africa.

Gill, returning after a neck injury, has managed scores of 4, 0 and 28 so far. In the third T20I at Dharamsala, he started briskly but slowed down after the powerplay and eventually fell to Marco Jansen, ending on a run-a-ball 28.

Kaif says it’s time to try other options

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif said the team management should avoid framing it as “dropping” Gill and instead present it as a break or an attempt to test other players. However, he stressed that India should make a change in the next two T20Is.

Kaif argued that with the T20 World Cup approaching, India cannot afford to delay selection calls. He pointed out that Gill has had an extended run in T20Is without producing a major score since his return, while other players have been moved in and out quickly.

Sanju Samson named as the alternative

Kaif singled out Sanju Samson as the player who deserves an opportunity, saying he should get matches in the remaining games before the World Cup. Samson has been in and out of the XI despite producing strong performances last year, and has also been used in different roles across series.

Limited time before the World Cup

India reportedly have seven T20Is left before the World Cup in February–March — two more against South Africa, followed by five against New Zealand. The squad for the New Zealand series and the World Cup is expected to be announced on the same day, making the next games crucial for final selection decisions.

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