Out-of-Form Shubman Gill Ruled Out: Injury or Excuse? Sanju Samson Returns as Opener

• Shubman Gill ruled out of the last two T20 matches against South Africa due to a thumb injury sustained during practice.
• Gill has been battling poor form in T20Is, failing to score a half-century in 15 innings with an average below 25.
• Speculation arises whether the injury is a genuine reason or an excuse to drop the out-of-form vice-captain.
• Sanju Samson is expected to return as an opener alongside Abhishek Sharma, replacing Gill.
• Gill's current T20I struggles contrast sharply with his excellent IPL 2025 performance.

Why It Matters: Shubman Gill's injury exit from T20 series sparks debate over form vs. excuse; Sanju Samson steps in.