New Delhi: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has stressed the need for Shubman Gill to embrace a stabilising, anchor-style role in India’s T20 International line-up, similar to the one Virat Kohli played for years, as the team prepares to defend its T20 World Cup title early next year. With Gill enduring a prolonged dip in form in the shortest format, Dasgupta believes clarity of role rather than aggressive intent should be the priority for the young vice-captain.

India begin their T20 World Cup campaign on February 7 in Mumbai against the USA, and with limited preparation time left, the spotlight has firmly shifted to the form and roles of key batters. Gill, despite his reputation as one of India’s most technically sound batters, has struggled to make a consistent impact since his return to the T20I setup earlier this year.

Gill’s numbers raise concern ahead of World Cup

Since re-entering India’s T20I squad during the Asia Cup earlier this year, Gill has scored just 291 runs in 15 innings. For a player of his calibre and standing, the numbers are below expectations and have sparked debate over his role in a batting line-up increasingly packed with stroke-makers.

Speaking to PTI Videos, Dasgupta pointed out that Gill’s value to the team should not be measured purely by strike rate or boundary count. Instead, he said India need Gill to act as a pivot — an innings stabiliser — especially when surrounded by aggressive batters.

“For me, Shubman’s role is very different, because if you see most of the other players are stroke players. So it is a kind of role that Virat played so well and did so well through the years — holding on at one end while everyone else plays around,” Dasgupta said.

Comparison with Virat Kohli’s proven template

Dasgupta’s comparison with Virat Kohli is rooted in strategy rather than style. Kohli, particularly in T20 World Cups, often played the role of an anchor, ensuring stability while allowing hitters at the other end to play freely. This approach has been one of India’s most reliable batting templates in global tournaments.

The former India keeper said Gill fits naturally into that mould due to his technique, temperament and ability to bat deep into an innings. He added that Gill does not need to chase exceptionally high strike rates if he can provide consistency.

“I think I see Shubman in that role that Virat played. He is that fulcrum that everyone plays around — not necessarily a high strike rate like others, but more consistency. That is the role that I see for him,” Dasgupta explained.

Need for role clarity in a power-packed line-up

India’s current T20 batting line-up features several aggressive players who thrive on high-risk, high-reward cricket. While this approach has brought success, it also increases the risk of collapses if early wickets fall.

Dasgupta believes Gill’s presence as a stabilising batter can help balance the line-up, particularly on tricky surfaces or under pressure in knockout games. By holding one end and rotating strike, Gill can allow players like Suryakumar Yadav and others to play their natural attacking games without fear.

Focus also on Suryakumar Yadav’s form

Dasgupta also spoke about the importance of both Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav spending time at the crease as they look to rediscover peak form ahead of the World Cup. While Suryakumar remains one of the most destructive T20 batters in the world, recent inconsistency has raised questions about rhythm and confidence.

“I don’t think it will be bothering them mentally, but ideally you would want them to start firing again,” Dasgupta said. “If you want them to be fearless, that will come at a price, and that price is consistency. That’s something you have to be mindful of.”

He added that while the lack of matches before the World Cup is not ideal, both players have the experience and skill to bounce back quickly.

“They are good enough. Hopefully it’s just a matter of time,” he said.

Limited preparation time adds urgency

India’s preparation window ahead of the T20 World Cup is relatively short, making every match crucial for fine-tuning combinations and roles. With the tournament opener in Mumbai fast approaching, team management will be keen to see Gill and Suryakumar regain confidence and settle into clearly defined roles.

The emphasis, according to Dasgupta, should be on long-term tournament success rather than short-term optics such as strike rates or flashy cameos.

Immediate focus on South Africa series

In the short term, India will take on South Africa in the fourth T20I on Wednesday, December 17. Leading the series 2-1, the Men in Blue will be eager to seal the contest and carry momentum forward.

All eyes will once again be on Gill and Suryakumar Yadav as they look to make meaningful contributions with the bat. Their performances in the remaining matches could go a long way in shaping India’s batting blueprint for the World Cup.

Conclusion

Deep Dasgupta’s remarks underline a broader strategic debate within Indian cricket — the need for balance in a power-heavy T20 batting line-up. As India gear up to defend their T20 World Cup crown, Shubman Gill’s ability to adapt into a Kohli-like anchor role could prove vital. With time running out, clarity of role, rather than constant experimentation, may hold the key to India’s title defence.