Shubman Gill’s place in India’s T20I XI has come under the scanner once again after his back-to-back failures in the ongoing five-match series against South Africa at home.

Gill’s return to the T20I fold as deputy during the Asia Cup 2025 didn’t yield best of returns as he scored only 127 runs in seven innings at an average of 21.16 and a strike rate of 151.19. The right-hander failed to make a mark in the subsequent five T20Is on the tour of Australia, amassing 132 runs at a strike rate of 136.08 without a half-century.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner, Gill has produced scores of 4 and 0 in the first two T20Is against South Africa in Cuttack and New Chandigarh respectively.   

Amid his struggles, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has issued a warning to Gill, saying that the designated vice-captain must score runs to cement his place in the side, especially with Sanju Samson warming the bench.

According to Pathan, Shubman Gill is under immense pressure due to his recent poor form in T20Is.

"The main topic is of Shubman Gill. He is the vice-captain, and the World Cup is nearing. But runs are not coming, and he is struggling for form. He must make runs if he is to cement his spot in the T20I side, else he will be more under pressure. Gill got out for a first-ball duck in the second T20I, but it's not his game to step out and play as he did in the first match. Whenever he doesn't make runs, the pressure will pile on because Sanju Samson is currently benched," Pathan said on his YouTube Channel.

Pathan feels that if the team management is backing Gill for the World Cup, it's important for him to deliver, and added that if he doesn't perform, it will hurt India, as they might not get a good start in the powerplay.

"If Sanju Samson is brought into the side and doesn't make runs, then India will be in a catch-22 situation. But if India are backing Shubman Gill for the World Cup, it's critical for him to make runs. If it doesn't, it will hurt India due to the good start they might not get. Secondly, Gill will find himself under constant pressure because he is part of the leadership group," he remarked.

Pathan also asked Samson to be mentally ready, as management could turn to him if Gill continues to struggle with the bat.

"Hence, Samson should also be mentally ready. I will say it again that Gill will score runs if he sticks to his own game plan. If he keeps thinking that there's another player waiting, it will be trouble. The team management's role will be important then," he concluded.

With the five-match series levelled at 1-1, India and South Africa will now square off in the third T20I in Dharamsala on Sunday (December 14).