Indian cricket is once again at a point where expectations are high and questions are plenty. Former wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes that clarity of roles and long-term thinking are crucial as the team prepares for major challenges ahead. One of the biggest talking points, according to him, is Shubman Gill’s role in India’s T20I setup.
Shubman Gill, who is India’s vice-captain in the shortest format, has struggled to find consistency. Despite his strong reputation, his recent numbers do not reflect his true potential, with just 291 runs from 15 innings. Deep Dasgupta feels the issue is not Shubman Gill’s ability but how his role is being viewed. In his opinion, Shubman Gill does not need to play like the rest of the power hitters in the team. Instead, he should take on a more stabilising responsibility, much like Virat Kohli did for years.
According to Deep Dasgupta, India’s current T20 lineup is filled with aggressive stroke-makers, which makes Shubman Gill’s presence even more important. He sees Shubman Gill as the batter who can hold one end, absorb pressure and allow others to play freely around him. This role may not always bring flashy strike rates but it brings consistency and balance, something India often relies on in big tournaments.
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup where India will begin their title defence against the USA in Mumbai on February 7, Deep Dasgupta also spoke about captain Suryakumar Yadav. Like Shubman Gill, SKY has gone through a lean patch. Deep Dasgupta feels both the players need time at the crease more than anything else. While fearless cricket is encouraged, he pointed out that it often comes at the cost of consistency, something players and fans must accept.
With very few matches left before the World Cup, form is a concern but Deep Dasgupta remains hopeful. He believes that players of Shubman Gill and Suryakumar’s quality do not lose their touch overnight and that a turnaround is only a matter of time.
Deep Dasgupta also shared his thoughts on the debate around split coaching for India’s teams following the disappointing Test series whitewash in South Africa. He dismissed the idea as a temporary fix rather than a real solution. According to him, India’s red-ball struggles need deeper reflection and long-term planning instead of quick changes that only address surface-level problems.
When it comes to senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Deep Dasgupta made it clear that their ability has never been in doubt. He described them as giants of the game and said that questioning their talent would be unfair. He is of the opinion that the real question is about sustainability and workload management as India looks ahead to the 2027 World Cup. He welcomed their participation in domestic cricket and hopes they continue to play regularly, both in India and overseas, to stay sharp.
Finally, Deep Dasgupta touched upon Chennai Super Kings’ signing of Sanju Samson. While he sees Samson as a natural leader, he advised the franchise to be patient. Rather than pushing him into a leadership role immediately, Deep Dasgupta believes Sanju Samson should be allowed to settle into the team environment and grow into responsibility over time.
Overall, Deep Dasgupta’s views underline a simple message – Indian cricket needs patience, clarity and long-term vision, both on and off the field.
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