Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble shared his insights on Shubman Gill’s recent struggles in Test cricket. According to Kumble, Gill should adopt a more liberated approach and devise his own strategies to handle spin, especially as the India vs England series approaches.
Shubman Gill has faced criticism, with calls for his exclusion and suggestions to drop him in favor of other young talents on the bench. Despite a recent move to the No.3 spot, the change hasn’t proven successful for him, and he is yet to score a half-century since his century against Australia earlier this year.
Anil Kumble Slammed Shubman Gill For Wasting Opportunities
Anil Kumble emphasizes that Shubman Gill needs to focus on improving his game against spin bowling. According to Kumble, it’s not just about skills but also about mindset for the young batter. He suggests that head coach Rahul Dravid should work with Gill to address these aspects. Speaking to Jio Cinema, he explained:
“He needs to be a lot freer. He needs to score runs. He needs to come up with his own plan of action to tackle spin, because he has hard hands. It’s good for good surfaces where the ball is coming on nicely and the faster bowlers are bowling at you. But when the ball is turning, when it’s slow, you need to use your hands and control and check your shot “
He added: “That’s something he needs to work on. It can’t be one flow all the time. Yes, four days before the next Test, can you work on your skill? I think it’s all the mindset. You can certainly work on your mindset, and you have the best possible person as the coach (Rahul Dravid) to manage that for Shubman Gill.”
Shubman Gill is expected to retain his place in the team for the next Test against England. The match could be well and truly make and break for his Test career.
Further, Anil Kumble emphasized that Shubman Gill is receiving an extended opportunity at the No.3 spot, a chance even veteran Cheteshwar Pujara, with over 100 games, didn’t get. Kumble criticized the young batter, stating that in his batting position, Gill needs to focus on improving his game. He explained:
“He has been given the cushion perhaps even a Cheteshwar Pujara didn’t get, because although he (Pujara) has played over a 100 Tests, I keep coming back to him mainly because that was his place not too long ago. Pujara played in that World Test Championship final and post that, it’s been Shubman Gill, who’s been moving from the opener’s slot, and he himself wanted to bat at No. 3.”
He added: “So, when you want to bat at No. 3 especially in India because you have that talent, you certainly need to work on your game. He has the skills, he is young and he’s learning, but he needs to do it in Vizag, otherwise the pressure will be on him.”
Gill and Jaiswal should open and Rohit should bat at no.3 in 2nd test in my opinion. Waiting to bat for his turn isn’t helping Shubman, it’s better he opens the inn. Rohit plays spin really well, so batting at no.3 should not worry him too much. #INDvENG
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 29, 2024
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