India, Nov. 2 -- As India prepare to defend their T20 World Cup title in 2026, one selection question looms larger than most: can Shubman Gill deliver the consistency and power required at the top of the order? While the Punjab batter remains a cornerstone across formats, his T20I returns since returning to the format in September 2025 present a concerning pattern that demands urgent resolution.

The numbers tell an uncomfortable story. Since his comeback to the T20Is in September, Gill has accumulated just 170 runs across ten innings at an average of 24.14 with a strike rate of 148.24. In the ongoing Australia tour, his problems have been crystallised, struggling against the pacers to get going in the power play.

Gill's Asia Cup 2025 ca...