Shubman Gill, one of India’s most promising young cricketers, has shown his prowess in the shorter formats of the game. However, the 24-year-old has set his sights on making a lasting impact in Test cricket, a format where he believes he has yet to fully prove himself.
Eyeing Improvement Against Bangladesh
After a strong performance in the home series against England, where he scored nearly 500 runs, Gill is now looking to further improve his game in the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh starting on September 19. He knows that facing experienced spinners on turning tracks will be a real test of his skills, especially in terms of his defensive game.
Working on Defense
Gill, who recently led India A in the Duleep Trophy, has been focusing on sharpening his defense against spin. “When playing on a turning pitch, your ability to defend becomes crucial,” Gill said. He believes that solid defense not only helps survive challenging conditions but also creates opportunities to score runs.
Desire to Excel in Tests
Despite his explosive performances in limited-overs cricket, Gill feels that his Test cricket journey has not met his own expectations. He is determined to change that, with 10 Test matches lined up for India this season. “I hope to look back after these matches and feel that I have met my expectations,” Gill added.
Balancing T20 and Test Formats
Gill acknowledged that playing many T20 matches can affect a player’s defensive technique, especially on batting-friendly pitches. This realization has led him to focus more on his defense during the series against England, a strategy he plans to continue against Bangladesh.
As Gill prepares for the challenges ahead, he is keen to solidify his role as a permanent opener for India in Test cricket.
