In the world of cricket, few stories are as compelling as that of Shubman Gill. Bursting onto the scene with a stellar performance in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he scored a remarkable 91 runs at the Gabba, Gill quickly became a household name. Fast forward to 2024, and the same player finds himself grappling with form and consistency, particularly in challenging overseas conditions. His recent struggles have raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike.
The current struggles of Shubman Gill: A cause for concern
Gill’s return to the India Test side has not been smooth. After missing the initial match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to a thumb injury, he managed scores of 31 and 28 in Adelaide but faltered dramatically in Brisbane, scoring just 1 run. This pattern of inconsistency has led to scrutiny over his technique and temperament, especially during tours to SENA countries. Former cricketers have voiced their concerns regarding his ability to adapt to different conditions and maintain his composure at the crease.
Karsan Ghavri’s advice for Gill overcoming adversity
Amidst this turmoil, Karsan Ghavri, Gill’s childhood coach, remains a beacon of support and guidance. Ghavri emphasizes the importance of occupying the crease and adapting to varying conditions. He draws parallels between Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who recently excelled by focusing on survival and scoring big runs.
“Yashasvi occupying the crease and scoring that big 100 was the reason why India won the first test. Shubman, as a pure batter, should just focus on sticking in there and learn how to leave those balls and curtail his aggressive shots on every delivery. More determination is required,” Ghavri said in a conversation with The Print, stressing that determination is crucial for success.
Ghavri’s advice extends beyond mere technical adjustments; he encourages Gill to seek mentorship from legends like Rahul Dravid or Sunil Gavaskar. Such guidance could provide valuable insights into navigating tough phases in a cricketer’s career.
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A troubling trend on the statistics
A closer examination of Gill’s statistics reveals a worrying trend. Since his debut against Australia, he has averaged just 17.80 in eight Tests outside Asia, failing to score above 36 runs in any innings during this period. His performances in England and South Africa have been particularly disheartening, with averages of 14.66 and 18.50 respectively. These figures underscore the challenges he faced in adapting his game to different pitches and conditions.
Mental fortitude: The unsung hero
Ghavri also highlights the mental aspect of cricket, which is often overlooked. Maintaining mental intensity over five days is paramount for success in Test cricket. Ghavri echoes this sentiment, stating that mental fitness is as crucial as technical skill.
“The pace at which games are played here, especially the Test matches, [it] is one of the most difficult things to be able to maintain that intensity throughout the course of five days. And more than anything else, it’s the mental intensity and mental fitness that is required here,” Gill himself acknowledged after India’s defeat in Adelaide.