One name that has been making waves, especially in India, is Shubman Gill. Touted as the new generation superstar, Gill’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. However, a closer look at his overseas Test performances reveals a tale of contrasting averages that demands scrutiny.
When examining Gill’s overall Test average in Asia, it stands at a respectable 39.25. Yet, the narrative takes a turn when the focus shifts to SENA nations (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), where his average drops significantly to 25.43. This statistical discrepancy raises eyebrows and prompts a deeper dive into the dynamics of Gill’s performance on foreign soil.
In the opening Test against South Africa, Gill faced a formidable challenge and succumbed to scores of 2 and 26 in Centurion. The bowling class of Marco Jansen and Nandre Burger dismissed him, contributing to India’s defeat. Gill’s struggle to combat the seam and swing in overseas conditions has become a recurrent theme in his Test career.
Sunil Gavaskar Breaks Silence On The Main Problem Of Shubman Gill In Test Cricket
Addressing Shubman Gill’s recent batting woes, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar offered valuable insights. Gavaskar pointed out that Gill’s aggressiveness might be working against him, emphasizing the need for adjusting his approach based on the red ball’s characteristics. Gavaskar highlighted the crucial distinction between the red and white ball, noting that the former tends to swing more.
Gavaskar stated, “I feel Shubman Gill is being overly aggressive. He has to keep the difference between red ball and white ball in mind while playing shots. The red ball swings a bit more than the white ball. He played some good shots in the second innings. It seemed he would go on to play a long innings, but he made the mistake of playing across the line. He is the type of player who works on his mistakes, so I’m hopeful.”
ALSO READ: Candice Warner Writes A Heartfelt Note After David Warner’s Last Test At The MCG
Before delving deeper into Gill’s overseas challenges, it’s essential to recognize his immense potential. Shubman Gill is heralded as the future of Indian cricket, known for his stylish stroke play and ability to dominate attacks. His impressive performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) have solidified his status as a rising star. Despite his domestic success, Gill faces a critical juncture in his Test career, particularly in overseas conditions. The need for adaptation and refinement in his technique becomes evident when examining the numbers—375 runs in seven Tests outside of Asia. While a career-high 91 against Australia showcased his class, the inconsistency in overseas performances remains a pressing concern.
Most fifty plus scores in 2023:
Virat Kohli – 18 (36 innings).
Shubman Gill – 17 (52 innings).
Rohit Sharma – 15 (39 innings).– The dominating top 3 of team India…!!! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/CMBqGcoVZ0
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 29, 2023
