Aaron Finch crowns Shubman Gill as the world’s best modern T20 opener

Sagar Thapa · 30/05/2026 · 3 min read

The Evolution of T20 Cricket and the Rise of New Superstars

The landscape of modern T20 cricket has undergone a radical transformation. Gone are the days of tentative starts and building innings in the traditional sense. Today, the game is defined by relentless aggression, immense firepower, and a strategic tilt toward the batters. With pitches often prepared as flat tracks conducive to high scoring, the sport has become a spectacle for fans, though it has simultaneously made the life of a bowler significantly more challenging. Even the slightest miscalculation in length or line now results in the ball vanishing over the boundary rope.

Aaron Finch crowns Shubman Gill as the world’s best modern T20 opener

In a recent segment, former Australia World Cup-winning captain Aaron Finch participated in a blind ranking challenge to evaluate some of the most explosive openers in the contemporary T20 circuit, specifically looking at IPL performers. Tasked with ranking players from one to eight without knowing who would appear next on the list, Finch provided expert analysis on the current elite of the game. When the dust settled, Aaron Finch crowns Shubman Gill as the world’s best modern T20 opener, placing him firmly at the top spot.

Finch noted that while strike rates in T20 cricket have become a significant point of discussion, Gill’s ability to remain ultra-consistent makes him a cut above the rest. As a key figure for the Gujarat Titans, Gill has amassed 722 runs in the current IPL season, cementing his reputation as one of the finest cricketers of his generation. Beyond his batting prowess, Finch highlighted that Gill’s leadership qualities add significant value, giving him the edge required to secure the top spot.

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The Gujarat Titans Dynamic Duo

It wasn’t just Gill who impressed the Australian legend. His opening partner at the Gujarat Titans, Sai Sudharsan, was ranked second by Finch. The left-hander has enjoyed a phenomenal season, mirroring Gill’s output by scoring over 700 runs himself. Their combined impact has been the driving force behind the Gujarat Titans’ journey to the IPL 2026 final, making them a formidable duo to watch in the title clash.

Finch acknowledged that his rankings might stir debate among passionate fans, humorously pleading for leniency before revealing the full list. His final order of rankings highlighted a mix of established international stars and rising Indian talent:

No. 1: Shubman Gill
No. 2: Sai Sudharsan
No. 3: Phil Salt
No. 4: Sanju Samson
No. 5: Abhishek Sharma
No. 6: Travis Head
No. 7: Yashasvi Jaiswal
No. 8: Mitchell Marsh

Analyzing the Talent Pool

The selection includes several core members of the current Indian national team. Players like Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have solidified their places in the national setup through their explosive displays in the IPL. Finch’s ranking process offered a unique insight into how seasoned veterans view the changing of the guard in international cricket.

When asked if he would change anything upon reflection, Finch remained resolute in his decision to place Gill at the pinnacle. “I’m happy with Shubman at the top,” Finch affirmed. “He’s been ultra-consistent, an unbelievable player, and he’s led his team really well, which gets a few bonus points.”

As the cricket world turns its attention toward the upcoming T20 fixtures, the focus remains on whether these young stars can translate their domestic success into consistent international dominance. With the game evolving at such a rapid pace, the criteria for being the “best” opener is constantly shifting, but for now, the consensus from one of the game’s greatest tactical minds is clear: the future of T20 batting belongs to the likes of Shubman Gill.

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Sagar Thapa

Sagar Thapa is a senior sports correspondent for The Kathmandu Post, regarded as one of the foremost chroniclers of Nepal’s remarkable cricketing ascent. A graduate of Tribhuvan University, he started his career covering age‑group and university cricket long before Nepal’s national team gained ODI status. Sagar has since reported on every major milestone in Nepal’s journey—from World Cup Qualifiers to the rise of stars like Sandeep Lamichhane in global T20 leagues. His deep understanding of spin bowling and the specific challenges faced by Associate Member nations underpins his widely read columns. Sagar’s work is known for its gentle authority, meticulously contextualising Nepal’s achievements within the broader international game. He has been honoured by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum and his own newspaper, and he remains passionately committed to telling the stories of the valleys, academies, and tournaments that are shaping the next generation of cricket in Nepal and beyond.