Shubman Gill’s recent resurgence in Test cricket has been attributed to his return to stepping out to bowlers, according to his father and first coach, Lakhwinder. Despite not agreeing with his son’s decision to bat at number three, Lakhwinder believes that Gill’s aggressive approach has been instrumental in his success.
After a disappointing series opener against England, Gill faced mounting pressure to perform. He had failed to score a fifty in 12 innings and was criticized for not playing his natural attacking game. However, his maiden Test century in the second innings of the Vizag Test silenced his critics.
Lakhwinder, who witnessed Gill’s second hundred of the series on Friday, highlighted the importance of his son’s aggressive approach. “Stepping out has made a big difference,” he said. “He had stopped doing that and that created pressure. Since his U-16 days, he has been stepping out to spinners and pacers to cut the movement.”
Gill’s willingness to take on both spinners and pacers was evident on Friday, as he charged down the track to hit James Anderson for a six. Lakhwinder also praised his son’s square cut and cover drive, which were on display at the HPCA Stadium.
Despite his admiration for Gill’s aggressive style, Lakhwinder believes that he should have continued to open the batting. “He should have continued to open,” he said. “It is not right at all I feel. When you sit in the dressing room for longer, the pressure tends to increase. Number 3 is not opening neither it is a middle-order spot.”
However, Lakhwinder respects his son’s decisions and is proud of his achievements. He also lauded the BCCI’s decision to make Ranji Trophy appearances mandatory for India players when they are not on national duty. “The calendar is so busy that he hardly trains for red ball,” he said. “It is good that BCCI has taken this step.”
