As the Indian cricket team gears up to face Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, it will be interesting to see how Shubman Gill will perform. Having shown promise in his previous outings, Gill is expected to play an important role in India’s campaign for a third consecutive Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in Australia. Veteran cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara shares his insights on Gill, highlighting the young batsman’s potential and the challenges he faces. Ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Cheteshwar Pujara said on, Star Sports Press Room.
Gill’s approach in Australia and Pujara’s advice
Talking specifically about Gill, Pujara offers valuable advice. “Shubman has played in Australia, so he should play the way he naturally does,” Pujara suggests, indicating that prior experience is crucial. “He has good strokes, but in Australian conditions, he needs to be cautious about the selection of shots.” Pujara believes it’s essential for Gill to identify which shots to play and which to avoid, especially on bouncy Australian pitches that can be unforgiving to aggressive strokes.
Pujara on the evolution of Test cricket
Pujara, with his wealth of experience, acknowledges the evolving nature of Test cricket. “Test match cricket is evolving; it’s more like white-ball cricket because players are transitioning from white-ball to red-ball formats,” he remarks. This shift means that cricketers today are venturing into Test matches with the aggressive mindset nurtured in shorter formats. “Players are playing to their strengths,” Pujara adds, emphasising the importance of understanding one’s own game instead of trying to conform to conventional expectations.
Gill’s fitness concerns ahead of the first Test
Ahead of the Perth Test, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel provided an update on Gill’s fitness. Gill recently suffered a thumb fracture, yet his recovery appears promising. Morkel expressed hope, stating, “Shubman is improving on a day-by-day basis. We will take a call on the morning of the Test.”
Gill’s stats in 2024
Gill’s recent stats are impressive, with 806 runs from 10 matches, averaging over 47, and three centuries. At number three, he has consistently performed well, which augurs well for India in the upcoming series. Pujara, with his particular approach, will likely expect Gill to seamlessly transition his white-ball aggression into red-ball success, focusing on building partnerships and lasting longer on the crease.
As Pujara advises, Shubman Gill has the talent and experience to excel in the demanding Australian conditions. His natural game, coupled with strategic caution, could make a significant difference in the upcoming series. Gill is well-placed to embrace the challenges and help India secure a memorable victory in Australia.
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