Shubman Gill Aims to Improve T20I Performance Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Shubman Gill, the newly appointed vice-captain of India’s white-ball cricket teams, has expressed dissatisfaction with his performances in T20 Internationals (T20Is) and is determined to improve his game in the upcoming cycle. Gill’s comments come ahead of the T20I series against Sri Lanka, where he is set to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Gill acknowledged that his T20I performances before the recent T20 World Cup were not up to his expectations. “At a personal level, I am not satisfied with my performances in T20Is. It hasn’t been up to my expectations,” he said during a press conference. The 24-year-old cricketer has played 19 T20Is so far, scoring 505 runs at an average of 29.7 and a strike rate of 139.5.

Despite his struggles in the shortest format, Gill has been a standout performer in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He has amassed 2271 runs in 44 ODIs at an impressive average of 61.37 and a strike rate of 103.46. Gill is keen to replicate his ODI success in T20Is and hopes to improve his batting in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

Shubman Gill Aims to Improve T20I Performance Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Gill’s determination to improve his T20I performance is driven by the fact that India will play around 30-40 T20Is in the next two years leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. “Hopefully, going forward, in the upcoming cycle… I think we play 30-40 T20Is (before the next T20 World Cup), I can improve my performance when it comes to batting, and also (improve) as a team,” he said.

Gill’s partnership with Jaiswal at the top of the order has been a bright spot for India. The duo complement each other’s batting styles and have developed a good understanding on the field. With the retirements of T20I legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gill and Jaiswal are expected to lead the Indian batting line-up in the shortest format.

As India begins a new era in T20I cricket, Gill’s focus on improving his performance will be crucial. His ability to translate his ODI form into T20Is could play a significant role in India’s success in the upcoming World Cup.