### Pressure Mounts on Shubman Gill as T20 World Cup Approaches Shubman Gill, the vice-captain of the Indian T20 team, is currently under intense scrutiny due to his poor performance in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa. Despite being a key player, Gill has failed to score a fifty in T20Is this year, raising concerns about his place in the team as the T20 World Cup approaches in February 2026. His recent outings have been particularly disappointing, with scores of just 4 runs in the first match and a golden duck in the second, leading to calls for his replacement by Sanju Samson, who has been benched despite a strong performance record in the past [https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/2025/dec/13/pressure-mounts-on-shubman-gill-in-t20is, https://www.bizzbuzz.news/national/sports/ind-vs-sa-gambhirs-bold-call-shubman-gill-likely-to-be-dropped-sanju-samson-set-for-comeback]. ### Current Situation and Team Dynamics 1. **Gill's Performance Issues**: Shubman Gill has not scored a fifty in T20Is this year and has faced criticism for his inability to perform under pressure, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon [https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/2025/dec/13/pressure-mounts-on-shubman-gill-in-t20is]. 2. **Potential Replacement**: There are strong indications that Sanju Samson may replace Gill in the upcoming matches, as team management considers changes to improve performance [https://www.bizzbuzz.news/national/sports/ind-vs-sa-gambhirs-bold-call-shubman-gill-likely-to-be-dropped-sanju-samson-set-for-comeback]. 3. **Criticism of Team Management**: Former players and analysts have criticized the team management for their "double standards" in favoring Gill over Samson, despite Gill's poor form [https://www.insidesport.in/cricket/kept-sanju-samson-benched-gambhirs-double-standards-over-shubman-gill-called-out]. 4. **Pressure from Peers**: Former cricketer Irfan Pathan has emphasized that Gill must start scoring runs to secure his place in the team, especially with Samson waiting for an opportunity [https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-samson-will-keep-coming-contention-ex-indian-cricketer-warns-shubman-gill-amid-worrying-form-ind-vs-sa-2025-t20i-series]. ### Performance Metrics and Historical Context - **Recent Scores**: In the first two T20Is against South Africa, Gill scored 4 runs and a duck, significantly impacting India's performance [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/we-dont-want-shubman-gill-to-justify-his-place-in-team-india-south-africa/20251212.htm]. - **Samson's Record**: Sanju Samson has previously scored three T20I hundreds in 2024, showcasing his capability as a match-winner [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/former_player_wants_inspirational_sanju_samson_to_replace_shubman_gill_in_t20is/s1_17727_43194069]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for Gill and the Indian Team **In summary**, Shubman Gill's recent performances have put him under significant pressure as the Indian team prepares for the T20 World Cup. With mounting calls for Sanju Samson's inclusion in the playing XI, the team management faces a critical decision that could impact their chances in the upcoming tournament. 1. **Gill's Struggles**: His inability to score runs has raised questions about his position in the team. 2. **Samson's Potential**: The strong performance history of Sanju Samson makes him a viable replacement. 3. **Team Dynamics**: The management's decisions will be scrutinized as they navigate the pressures of international cricket. The situation remains fluid, and the upcoming matches will be crucial for both Gill and the Indian team's strategy moving forward [https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ind-vs-sa-t20is-sanju-samson-open-shubman-gill-irfan-pathan-reality-check-2835138-2025-12-12].