‘Why not Sanju Samson?’ Shubman Gill’s selection in question after golden duck vs South Africa

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New Delhi: Shubman Gill’s tough run in T20I continued in Mullanpur as the opener fell for a golden duck in the second T20I against South Africa. While chasing a target of 214, India needed a solid start but Gill lasted just one ball. Lungi Ngidi sent down a seaming length delivery that straightened enough to beat Gill’s defence and Reeza Hendricks completed a sharp low catch at slip. It was a dismissal that felt straight out of a Test match and it left India on the back foot immediately.

While Gill struggles carrying over from the first match where he got out for just four runs, the reaction online was instant and intense. Fans lashed out at head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selection panel, accusing them of favouring Gill despite his inconsistent T20 numbers. Many pointed out that players like Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal continue to warm the bench while Gill gets repeated opportunities.

How social media reacts as Gill fails again

To make matters worse, captain Suryakumar Yadav also fell early. He managed just five before edging Marco Jansen behind. His own numbers haven’t helped either 227 runs in his last 23 innings at an average of 13.35. When both openers and the captain fall cheaply, the scrutiny naturally intensifies.

De Kock’s 90 adds to India’s woes

Earlier, Quinton de Kock lit up the evening with a brilliant 90 off 46 balls, cracking seven sixes and keeping India’s bowlers under constant pressure. The hosts conceded 123 runs in the final ten overs, leaving their batters with a mountain to climb as the Proteas posted 213/4 on board.

As India regroups for the remaining matches, the debate around the opening slot isn’t going away anytime soon and while fans argue over selections Men in Blue keep chasing the target to tighten their grip over the series.