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Amit Mishra has voiced his concerns about favoritism within the Indian cricketing circles, suggesting that Shubman Gill has been consistently favored over Ruturaj Gaikwad. According to Mishra, this preference allegedly stems from Rahul Dravid’s admiration for Gill, despite Gaikwad’s superior batting and leadership abilities.
This bias, Mishra claims, has led to Gaikwad being overlooked for significant opportunities such as being included as a backup player for the T20 World Cup 2024 and even for the captaincy role during India’s Zimbabwe tour.
Amit Mishra raises doubts about Rahul Dravid favoring Shubman Gill.
Despite Ruturaj Gaikwad consistently showcasing outstanding performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, his efforts have seemingly not translated into national selection opportunities. There is a growing sentiment that Gaikwad has been overlooked due to perceptions held by figures like Dravid and Mishra.
Amit Mishra acknowledged that preferences can naturally exist, but emphasized the importance of deserving players receiving their due chances. He pointed out Gaikwad’s superior skills both as a player and a captain compared to Shubman Gill, questioning why Gaikwad hasn’t garnered attention from national selectors despite his consistent performances.
Mishra also supported Dravid’s recognition of Gill’s achievements in the past, but noted that Gill’s recent form hasn’t been as impressive. Therefore, he believes that it was an appropriate time for Gaikwad, who hails from Maharashtra, to be given an opportunity with the Indian cricket team.
Ruturaj Gaikwad deserves more chances than Shubman Gill: Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra said, “Yes because he was doing well at that time. That’s why it was being said. Now he is not doing well. There is a little liking. Everyone has it. You must have it as well. The kids must have it as well. Everyone has it. But I believe that someone is doing well; he deserves a chance and respect, like Ruturaj. I am not Gill’s hater. I also like him.
But I feel that Ruturaj is a better player than Gill because he has made runs in such situations. He has made runs in many situations. For Chennai and India in the Asian Games as a captain. So, there is an option. You keep him with you. Keep him with the team. Like you keep others. I feel that he is a complete player.
I feel that he can perform for you in T20Is as well. He can do it in ODI and Test cricket as well because of his technique and thinking. The most important thing is who brings calmness to the team. Batters. So, I can see calmness in that guy. He won’t take such risky shots. But as soon as he sits down, he becomes more dangerous. I think he should work on the manager as well.”
He doesn’t know how to do captaincy: Amit Mishra on Shubman Gill
Mishra also said that he will never make Gill India captain, as he doesn’t think the right-handed batter is captain material. He added, “I have seen in the IPL. He doesn’t know how to do captaincy. He has no idea about captaincy, and the result is in front of all of us.”
The former cricketer mentioned that the Gujarat Titans had no choice but to appoint Shubman Gill as their captain when Hardik Pandya unexpectedly departed from the franchise just before the tournament.
When questioned about Gill being appointed as the captain for the Zimbabwe tour, Mishra speculated that the BCCI and national selectors might be grooming him for future leadership roles and providing him with valuable experience, especially after his disappointing stint as GT captain in IPL 2024.
Mishra added that the selectors are exploring various options, having already tested Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain previously. He noted that other contenders like Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant are also in consideration for leadership roles in the team.
