India, Dec. 8 -- Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has indicated that the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa will be a key test for Shubman Gill. The series gives Shubman an important chance to firmly establish himself in India's playing XI. Shubman has been promoted to the vice-captaincy in T20Is, with the team management seemingly grooming him as a potential all-format captain, likely to take over following next year's World Cup.

Shubman made his return to the T20I squad during the Asia Cup earlier this year and was immediately handed the vice-captaincy. However, since his comeback, he has struggled to make a major impact at the top of the order. To accommodate him as an opener, the Indian management moved Sanju S...