Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has backed Shubman Gill for a future comeback in India’s T20I setup after the team’s recent struggles in overseas conditions. Manjrekar believes that Gill has the technique and adaptability to succeed on challenging pitches, making him a strong option for further formats.
During this time Manjrekar’s comment came India’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Ireland in T20I series Under the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer. The Blue team failed to chase down the modest target, exposing the weaknesses of the batting unit. Notably, this series also ended India’s remarkable 16-series winning streak in bilateral T20I cricket.
Abhishek Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson will be tested – Sanjay Manjrekar on India’s batsmen
Speaking to the broadcasters during the second T20I, Sanjay Manjrekar said that India’s current top-order batsmen will face a tough challenge as they play more matches outside the subcontinent. He said players need time to adjust to different conditions before they can consistently perform at the highest level.
“Batsmen who are good on certain types of pitches, like Abhishek Sharma, will be tested over time. Shreyas Iyer will be tested, and Sanju Samson will also be tested because he has played a lot on certain types of surfaces. We also have to give him time to adjust to these surfaces.”
Sanjay Manjrekar explains why Gill should be in the T20 team? pic.twitter.com/Vi0UZZka3q
– Shubhavars (@ahiman_x) June 28, 2026
You will see that a name will emerge – Sanjay Manjrekar predicts the return of Shubman Gill
Manjrekar believes India’s recent struggles in overseas conditions could eventually open the door for Shubman Gill’s return to the T20 team. He said that Gill is likely to become an important option as the team continues to make changes.
“But slowly and steadily, you will see one name come up in all this, and that is someone who is not in the team right now – Shubman Gill.”
Gill had a brief stint with India’s T20I squad last year before being dropped. The 25-year-old recently led India to a 3-0 ODI series win over Afghanistan in his first stint as captain. He was named Player of the Series after scoring 232 runs including a brilliant 154.
These are the players you want to bring back gradually – Sanjay Manjrekar backs Shubman Gill
Manjrekar said that Gill has already proved himself as a T20 batsman. He said Gill’s experience and strong technique in overseas conditions makes him a valuable player for India’s future T20I plans.
“For people to understand that Shubman Gill is a T20 batsman now. He had a tremendous IPL and also captained his team. I am not talking about his captaincy, but these are the players you want to slowly bring back into T20 cricket because they have a bit more depth to handle and get used to these kind of conditions, as we have seen in England and other overseas venues where he has played. So about Shubman Gill to move on. That’s my thought. Not now, but it will start happening gradually.”
The batsman also made a strong case for a comeback in T20Is during IPL 2026. Gill scored 732 runs at a strike rate of 163.02 and finished as the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament. However, the selectors retained the existing starting options and included teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the squad.
