Ahead of the Asia Cup, Shubman Gill’s appointment as the T20 team’s vice-captain has raised questions about his performance, particularly in the context of the Dubai pitch. While he was India’s top run-scorer in the previous Asia Cup, replicating that success might be difficult this time. This is due to the nature of the Dubai pitch and a specific vulnerability that opposing bowlers could target.
Gill’s primary weakness lies in his performance against spin bowling. Despite his strong overall form, including impressive performances in the IPL and England tour, the spin-friendly conditions in Dubai pose a significant challenge. Although Gill’s technique suggests he plays spin well, his T20 International record against spinners tells a different story.
In T20 Internationals, Gill has scored 190 runs in 18 innings against spin, averaging a mere 19. His strike rate against spin is also a modest 125. Such statistics could create problems for Gill in the Asia Cup, where spin bowlers are expected to play a crucial role. With the Dubai pitch likely to favor spin and formidable spin attacks from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, Gill will need to address this area.
However, Gill’s performance against spinners in IPL 2025 was encouraging. He scored 270 runs against spin out of his total 650 runs, maintaining a strike rate of over 163 and an average of 135. With only two dismissals against spinners in the IPL, it is clear that Gill has improved his approach. Now, the challenge lies in replicating that form in the upcoming Asia Cup.