Shubman Gill’s Take ‘Toxic Competition’ with Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal Amid Selection Debates

The Indian opener addresses growing speculation over rivalries within the team as Abhishek Sharma’s sensational form sparks discussions.

February 5, 2025: Abhishek Sharma’s exceptional performances, including a record-breaking century, have fueled calls for his inclusion as India’s opener in T20Is, even when first-choice players Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are available. His recent displays have also raised questions about his absence from the Indian squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

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However, Shubman Gill has dispelled rumors of any rivalry, asserting that he shares a positive relationship with both Abhishek and Jaiswal. Gill emphasized that their focus remains on contributing to the team’s success rather than engaging in unhealthy competition.

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“Abhishek is a childhood friend of mine, and Jaiswal is also a friend. There is no toxic competition between us. When you’re playing for the country, you want to perform in every match, not hope others underperform. We all congratulate each other on good performances,” Gill said.

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Abhishek Sharma was the standout performer in the recent T20I series against England, scoring a record 135 off 54 balls in the fifth match. The 24-year-old amassed 279 runs in the series at an astonishing strike rate of 219.68 and an average of 55.80.

Preparation for Upcoming Challenges
Gill and Jaiswal, previously India’s first-choice openers, had missed the England T20I series due to a packed schedule, including a grueling Test tour of Australia. Gill, however, is now set to return for the three-match ODI series against England, seen as a precursor to the Champions Trophy.

Speaking about the upcoming series, Gill clarified that the team is not treating it as mere practice for the Champions Trophy but as an important contest. “We are playing against a strong side. This series is significant for us, and we aim to dominate and win, just like any other series,” he said.

With Jaiswal in the ODI squad, cricket fans eagerly await to see if he will make his ODI debut alongside Gill in the England series.

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