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Varun Aaron says Shubman Gill may feel odd as Abhishek Sharma rises in T20I power, calling Abhishek the most vital cog. Gill will lead India in Tests against South Africa.
![Abhishek Sharma (L) and Shubman Gill (R). [AP Photo]](https://images.news18.com/ibnlive/uploads/2021/07/1627283897_news18_logo-1200x800.jpg?impolicy=website&width=400&height=225 "Abhishek Sharma (L) and Shubman Gill (R). [AP Photo]"){kind=logo}
Abhishek Sharma (L) and Shubman Gill (R). [AP Photo]
Former India fast-bowler Varun Aaron believes Shubman Gill might be feeling a ‘bit weird’ because of the slight shift in the power-dynamics of the men’s T20 side towards Abhishek Sharma.
While Gill has struggled to make the most of his opportunities at the top of the order, his childhood friend, Abhishek has risen to be among the best batters of the format in the world. The left-hander has achieved the highest rating for a T20I batter in ICC rankings and has become the tone-setter for the team at the top of the order.
“Shubman Gill must be finding it a bit weird because one and a half or two years ago, he was the leader, if you can say so, within this combination, in the IPL, playing for India in T20Is, and getting consistent runs,” Aaron said on the Star Sports show ‘Follow The Blues’. “He is still getting runs, but Abhishek Sharma is just obliterating everybody with his strike rate,” he said.
He called Abhishek the ‘most vital cog’ of the Indian batting.
“Especially against Josh Hazlewood in the first two games, I thought he (Abhishek) had a method, which was to step out and try to get him off his mark. I think Abhishek Sharma has found a way to get the bowlers off their plans. Going forward, he’s going to be the most vital cog in the Indian batting wheel because if you get off to a good start, more often than not, you win the game,” Aaron added.
Aaron didn’t dismiss Gill entirely. The pundit credited him for his unbeaten 26 in the final T20I against Australia, where rain cut a good-looking innings short.
“Shubman Gill is somebody who is playing the ice role in this combination. Abhishek is the fire. Both of them go about their work very effortlessly. Shubman Gill, in the last T20I, just showed how much class he has. He just has to hold his position, and he can do everything from there itself,” Aaron added.
Abhishek will now get a short break from international cricket, while Gill prepares to lead India in the two-Test series against South Africa.
November 10, 2025, 18:10 IST
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