Shubman Gill’s rough patch in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy continued as he failed to deliver in the first innings of the Brisbane Test. The young Indian batter was dismissed for just 1 run in the third over by Mitchell Starc, raising concerns about his form and shot selection during critical moments of the game.
A Risky Shot Proves Costly In 3rd Test For Shubman Gill
Gill got dismissed by a well-timed but rather aggressive shot. He tried to hit a booming drive to a delivery way outside the off-stump and edged the ball and paid the price. Fans and critics were quick to point fingers at the shot selection, especially given the tense situation of the match.
Aakash Chopra Highlights Gill’s Worrying Stats
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra spoke about Gill’s disturbing numbers outside Asia in Test matches. Despite his rich talent, Gill has been unable to find consistency overseas.
“We will have to talk about Shubman Gill. It’s been 16 innings where you haven’t crossed 40 outside Asia. You have been dismissed for single digits or early double digits many times. If your scores are like this and you bat at No. 3 for Team India in Test cricket, it’s a problem, and it will be discussed as well,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
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Gill’s Poor Run In Last Test Matches
Gill has not scored more than 50 in any of the Test innings played outside Asia since his match-winning 91-run knock in India’s historic Gabba victory during the 2020-21 series.
He has scored only 200 runs in his last eight Tests outside Asia. His highest score has been 36.
These are some alarming statistics for Team India, which is already in search of stability at the top order.
Shot Selection & Risk Factor
Chopra also drew attention to a more common weakness in Gill’s game-the tendency to hook for a big drive on the second ball of his innings. When it comes off, it is a stunner; however, that is also a shot full of risk, especially when there’s bounce and swing. On Monday, that was another hook for a big drive, which became his undoing.
“He was looking good in the last match. The problem is not with Gill alone. It’s a symptomatic problem of the entire playing style. Yashasvi Jaiswal drove the first ball hard. He might be unlucky that his shot found a fielder on the second ball, but the first ball could have also gone to gully’s hand,” he observed.
Shubman Gill Has Potential But Lacks Consistency
Aakash Chopra felt that Gill looked in good touch during the Adelaide Test and was showing glimpses of his potential. At the same time, he pointed out that the problems that Gill was facing with the shot selection might be reflective of a bigger problem of batters on a tricky surface where other dismissals on Day 3 of the Brisbane Test reflected similar problems.
“Shubman Gill came and played a booming drive. When it comes off, it looks good, but there are great chances of it going behind the wickets. You are so used to throwing your hands that you don’t wish to stop,” he elaborated.
A Critical Phase For Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill, once touted as India’s next big batting superstar, now comes under increasing pressure to recapture his form in overseas Tests. His ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will be key for India to navigate the rest of the series. Fans will hope that the talented batter can turn things around soon and reclaim the consistency that made him a vital part of the Indian Test squad.
