Cricketer-turned-commentator Irfan Pathan has commented on the upcoming T20I series against South Africa being an ideal opportunity for India vice-captain and opening batter Shubman Gill to establish himself in the 20-overs side. Gill has been out of action after sustaining a nerve-related neck injury during the first Test of the ongoing all-format series, and will return to action for the shortest format.
Irfan opined the BCCI has been posing Gill as an all-format player on the basis of his performances in the IPL. The erstwhile all-rounder felt this series is an important one for the full-time Test and ODI skipper. The former all-rounder believed that five games at the top of the order were more than enough for a player of Gill's stature, considering that the series will mostly be played across batting-friendly wickets.
Indiaand the Proteas will square off in five T20Is from December 9, with the first match to be contested at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. The Men in Blue won the ODI leg by a 2-1 margin after being whitewashed in the two-match red-ball series. The T20Is will now be deciding the ultimate winner of the all-format tour.
