The recent scrutiny surrounding Shubman Gill's batting, particularly after India's loss in the first Test against England at Headingley, brings to mind earlier observations made by former India coach Ravi Shastri. Shastri's previous commentary on Gill's game, highlighting both his immense potential and areas needing refinement, seems increasingly relevant as the young captain navigates the challenges of leading the Test side in a tough series.
Gill's performance in the first Test was a mixed bag. While he scored a century in the first innings, becoming the highest scorer for India, the team suffered a batting collapse in both innings, and Gill's captaincy was labeled as defensive by some. Former England captain Nasser Hussain noted that Gill lacked the commanding presence of his predecessors. This has reignited discussions about his technique and temperament, drawing comparisons – and reminders – of Virat Kohli's aggressive and proactive approach to Test cricket.
One of the most persistent criticisms of Gill's batting is his vulnerability to specific types of deliveries. Experts have pointed out a tendency to get trapped by the "in-between length" ball, a weakness stemming from a limited stride forward and insufficient weight transfer. This makes him susceptible to balls that skid in, often leading to dismissals, particularly on less bouncy surfaces. Former England opener Nick Knight has also noted that Gill sometimes plants his front leg across too much, a technical flaw that bowlers can exploit, especially in conditions offering lateral movement. This contrasts sharply with Virat Kohli's technique, known for its exquisite footwork and balance, allowing him to play off both front and back foot with equal fluency. Kohli's ability to play the ball late, especially against fast bowlers, further minimizes the margin for error.
Ravi Shastri himself has weighed in on how Gill can improve, suggesting he embrace a more aggressive mindset, akin to Virat Kohli's. Shastri emphasized the need for someone to "get in the face of the opposition," a role Kohli often embodied, injecting energy and intensity into the team's performance. This isn't just about aggression for the sake of it; it's about creating pressure, unsettling the opposition, and seizing control of the game.
Beyond technique, comparisons to Kohli also extend to leadership. Kohli, known for his passion and aggressive captaincy, set a high bar. Shastri has previously advised Gill to be patient and composed, acknowledging the difficulty of captaining India in England, especially with a relatively inexperienced side. However, he also stressed the importance of learning from the exposure and trusting his temperament.
While Gill's captaincy is still in its early stages, the pressure is undoubtedly mounting. India's loss in the first Test exposed vulnerabilities in both batting and bowling, and Gill's leadership will be crucial in addressing these issues. He can draw inspiration from Kohli's tenacity and adaptability, particularly the way Kohli bounced back from a difficult series in 2014 to become the top run-scorer in 2018.
Ultimately, Shubman Gill needs to find his own style of leadership while addressing the technical shortcomings in his batting. The comparisons to Virat Kohli serve as a reminder of the standards set by his predecessor and the qualities needed to succeed at the highest level. Whether Gill can rise to the occasion and lead India to a series comeback remains to be seen, but the echoes of Ravi Shastri's earlier assessments continue to resonate as he faces this defining chapter in his career.
