Indian cricket team batter Shubman Gill has revealed that he never considered returning to the opening position during his recent batting slump. Gill, who scored a magnificent century on Day 2 of the fifth Test against England in Dharamsala, had struggled for runs prior to the ongoing series.
With Yashasvi Jaiswal partnering Rohit Sharma at the top of the order, Gill was assigned the No. 3 position, a role he initially found challenging. However, he has since bounced back in spectacular fashion, amassing over 400 runs in the five-match Test series against England.
“When you don’t score, you tend to overthink, which I was doing. But going back to opening was not something that crossed my mind,” Gill told broadcasters.
Gill also discussed his superior batting average in the third and fourth innings compared to the first two innings in Test matches, explaining how he adjusts his approach based on the situation.
“When I go out to bat in the second innings, I have a clear target to chase. I know how to pace my innings and how to go about it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gill’s father and first coach, Lakhwinder, believes that his son’s decision to step out to the bowlers more often has contributed to his resurgence in Test cricket. However, he disagrees with Gill’s decision to bat at No. 3.
“He should have continued to open. It’s not right at all. When you sit in the dressing room for longer, the pressure tends to increase. Number 3 is not opening, neither is it a middle-order spot,” Lakhwinder said.
“Plus, his game is not like that. It suits the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, who has a defensive game. When the ball is new, you get more loose balls. When you come in after 5-7 overs, the ball is still shiny, and the bowler is settled with his length.”
