Ex-India Star Confident Shubman Gill Will Shine vs Pakistan

The excitement is building as India and Pakistan are set to play another thrilling match in the Asia Cup 2025. The two teams will meet at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 21 during the Super Four stage of the tournament. India has already defeated Pakistan earlier in the tournament, and the team will aim to continue its strong performance.

Ahead of this high-profile clash, former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth expressed his confidence in India’s opener Shubman Gill. Despite Gill’s recent struggles in the Asia Cup, Srikkanth believes the batter can regain form and deliver a strong performance in the upcoming match against Pakistan.

Shubman Gill, who is one of India’s key batters, has had a difficult tournament so far. In the three games he has played, he has scored only low runs, failing to make a big impact. Fans and experts have been waiting for him to return to his best form, especially ahead of important matches like the one against Pakistan.

Srikkanth shared advice for Gill in a video on his YouTube channel. He suggested that Gill should focus on playing straight shots rather than attempting risky cover drives early in his innings. Srikkanth said, “Shubman Gill coming back to form is very important. I think he will score in this match against Pakistan. The ball coming in constantly troubles him because he plays early. My suggestion to him would be to play more straight. Instead of cover driving, he should play the off drive more until he gets set.”

Gill’s future and T20 squad place

Apart from his advice on batting, Srikkanth also spoke about Shubman Gill’s place in the T20I squad. Some fans and critics have questioned whether Gill’s recent low scores in the Asia Cup could affect his spot in the team. Srikkanth, however, said that his position is secure because he is the vice captain of the team.

Srikkanth explained that being vice captain shows the team management has confidence in Gill. He said, “The very fact that they have made him the vice captain means he is a certainty. In the expected 15-man squad I had before the Asia Cup, he wasn’t in my team. In fact, not many people expected him to be in the squad. But since they have made him vice-captain, in the future they are trying to make him the all-format captain. He had a good IPL as well, which shows his potential.”

The former cricketer’s comments underline the long-term plans for Gill in Indian cricket. He is not just seen as a T20 player but as a future leader across all formats, including Test and ODI cricket. His performances in the IPL and international matches indicate that he has the ability to succeed under pressure and lead the team when required.

Srikkanth also emphasized the importance of giving young players like Gill time and confidence to find their rhythm. He highlighted that even top players go through difficult phases, but with proper guidance and support, they can return stronger. His advice to focus on straight shots in the early overs is aimed at helping Gill build innings carefully, avoiding unnecessary risks that may lead to early dismissals.

Fans are eagerly waiting to see whether Gill can convert Srikkanth’s confidence into runs in the match against Pakistan. A strong performance could boost India’s chances in the Super Four stage and also reaffirm Gill’s role as a key player for the future. Analysts have noted that India’s batting lineup is powerful, but the contribution of openers like Gill is crucial to setting a strong foundation in every match.

Importance of the match

The upcoming India vs Pakistan game is one of the most anticipated matches of the Asia Cup 2025. Matches between the two sides are always intense due to the historic rivalry. Every run, wicket, and catch is closely watched by millions of cricket fans around the world. A good performance by Gill could inspire the entire Indian batting lineup and set the tone for the rest of the Super Four stage.

With Srikkanth backing him publicly, Gill can enter the match with confidence and guidance. Experts believe that experience from previous matches, combined with advice from former players, can help young cricketers handle pressure situations better. Gill’s technique, combined with patience and smart shot selection, will be key to performing well against Pakistan’s strong bowling attack.

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In addition to his batting, Gill’s role as vice captain allows him to contribute to team strategy and planning. This responsibility reflects the trust the Indian cricket board places in him, indicating that they see him as a future leader of the team across formats. Young players like Gill are expected to combine skill, temperament, and leadership qualities to strengthen India’s cricket squad in upcoming tournaments, including the T20 World Cup and Test series.

As fans and cricket analysts await the match, one thing is clear: the eyes of the cricketing world will be on Shubman Gill. His ability to bounce back and deliver a strong performance against Pakistan will not only impact India’s chances in the tournament but also cement his position as a future star and leader of Indian cricket.