With the team India announcing their initial squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, one news that has been making headlines is the exclusion of T20 vice-captain Shubman Gill. His exclusion came as a shock to everybody, considering that he has been given such a long rope by the management despite his низ performance.
This has led to increased focus on Sanju Samson too, who has an even better chance of playing regularly in the playing XI. But when it comes to statistics, who has actually performed better in the T20I matches of 2025? It’s time to find out.
Big Selection Call: Shubman Gill Dropped from T20 Squad
One of the most shocking things about the Indian team selection has been the non-inclusion of Shubman Gill in the team. Despite having faith in the youngster since the Asia Cup, Gill has not been using his starts well in the T20 Internationals to make any significant contributions.
This created an opportunity for Ishan Kishan as he made it to the squad after performing well in domestic cricket. This also gave Sanju Samson an opportunity to make it to the playing XI.
Shubman Gill’s Performance in the T20 Internationals
Although expectations were high, the performance levels of Shubman Gill in 2025 were not meeting international standards in T20 cricket.
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Shubman Gill – T20I Record (2025)
Matches: 15
Innings:
Runs: 291
Average: 24
Strike Rate: 137.
Highest score: 47
Gill did not notch any half-century this season, with his highest score being 47. He was not able to cash in despite getting numerous chances, ultimately getting dropped from the playing XI, just like the time before the previous T20 World Cup.
Performance in T20 Internationals by Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson had a tough year in the T20 Internationals too. He was initially pushed lower down in the order, but his performance was not effective, leading to his exit from the team. He once again got a chance upon the departure of Gill.
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Sanju Samson – T20I Records (2025
Matches: 15
Innings:
Runs: 222
Average: 20
Scored Runs: 131
Fifty: 1
Highest Score: 56
Despite having one fifty to his credit, his performance still appears to be less impressive. Among other reasons, his unpredictable performance resulted in constant flux in his batting order, from opener to the middle order, indicating the team’s management was not sure about his position.
Shubman Gill vs Sanju Samson: A Statistical Comparing by Sidharth Gulati
When comparing Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson on pure statistics in T20I in 2025:
- Gill has a higher aggregate, better average and superior strike rate.
- While Samson has scored one half-century, Gill does not have any.
- Neither player has been in form to provide consistent match-winning performances.
From a numbers point of view, Shubman Gill is a trifle ahead, but it is not an overwhelming lead since neither has overcome the feeling of being guaranteed a place in the lineup.
What’s Next for Sanju Samson?
The absence of Gill gives Sanju Samson another shot perhaps as an opener at life in the T20Is. Still, his place isn’t secure as a couple of failures could just see him reach the fringes again for there is some quality competition on the bench.
