Former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif has openly claimed that Shubman Gill is trying to copy his early partner Abhishek Sharma, and that is why he is struggling to make a significant impact for men in Blue in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
After being over a year away from T20i, Shubman Gill returned, and that too as the vice-captain of India, and the pressure to promote and stay until the expectations is evident with their number. Gill is struggling to start in a big score, scoring 20, 10, 5, 47 and 29 in his last five innings.
Mohammad Kaif claims that Shubman Gill is struggling because he tries to copy Abhishek Sharma
The Indian Test captain has not yet found a fifty in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, and Kaif said that Gill is under pressure on both a return player and vice-captain, and that is why he is struggling to find continuity during the opening with explosive Abhishek Sharma.
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The cricket expert has stated that Gill has often tried to copy Abhishek’s aggression and played ultra-invasive shots, and in doing so, his natural game has been disrupted. Kaif feels that Gill wants to match Abhishek’s strike rate, and this has caused him to lose his batting rhythm.
Shubman Gill Abhishek Sharma: Trying to match Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif said in a video posted on his social media handle. “He is a vice-captain, and he is also making a comeback. So, there is a lot of pressure. I think when I saw him in the first match, he was trying to match Abhishek Sharma. Seeing that Shubman Gill was trying to hit the grounder shot.”
Kaif further said, “They took a risk and hit a six. Then, he moved forward with a single and double. Then, he hit a limit. So, he feels that he feels that he has to play around Abhishek Sharma’s strike rate. He has lost his batting plan. He is playing somewhere and then copying Abhishek, and this is the story of the last six games.”
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Mohammad Kaif urged Shubman Gill to ignore the noise and focus on his game
The former Indian batsman has further stated that the presence of talented players like Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma has intensified the pressure on Gill waiting for his opportunity. He said that there are many talented players who are filled up to number 8, and this pressure is clearly visible on the young vice-captain.
Kaif emphasized that Gill should shut down the noise, focus on his game, look carefully, and play easily, which is the same approach that gave him success in IPL 2025, where he dominated as a batsman and captain of Gujarat Titans.
He signed this saying, “I think they should stop all the noise. They should not hear what others are saying. They should focus on their game. Look at the ball and react to it. It has been their formula and their success mantra in the IPL, and they should continue with it.”