NEW DELHI: Former Indian pacer Varun Aaron came to Shubman Gill’s defense after the opener scored 46 off 39 balls in India’s third T20I win against Australia at Gold Coast’s Carrara Oval. Aaron lauded Gill’s crucial knock on a challenging surface, which helped India post 167 runs and secure a 48-run victory over the hosts.Gill, who is now India’s T20I vice-captain, had been struggling for form in the preceding ODI series and the second T20I. However, his composed innings not only anchored the innings but also guided India to their highest total at this venue, where they were playing for the first time.“When people raise questions about Shubman Gill being in the T20 setup, it never makes sense to me,” Aaron said on Star Sports.“The thing with Gill is that when conditions don’t favor batting, you can always put your money on Shubman Gill because of his technique, because of his poise, and because of his game awareness. He knows exactly what the wicket offers, what kind of stroke play, and he plays according to that. You need somebody like him in the T20 setup,” Aaron explained.“This is what he gives you when everybody else fails on a wicket that is slightly difficult compared to the other wickets in this whole series. He gives you a 46, which is worth its weight in gold,” Aaron added.
Gill’s place in the T20I squad had come at the expense of Sanju Samson, but his performance in this match justified the team management’s faith.While Gill top-scored for India, Abhishek Sharma, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and Shivam Dube also chipped in with useful cameos.Australia, in response, were bowled out for 119, falling short by 48 runs in their chase of 167.
