By Rohit - Feb 10, 2025 03:31 PM
Shubman Gill has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket, and his recent performances against England have only solidified his reputation as a top-order batsman with immense potential. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen, known for his astute cricketing insights, has shed light on the technical and mental adjustments that have transformed Gill into a quality player capable of excelling at the highest level.
Gill’s back-to-back fifties in the ODI series against England—87 in Nagpur and 60 in Cuttack—have been instrumental in India’s success. Pietersen, speaking to Star Sports, highlighted a key technical change in Gill’s batting that has allowed him to tackle high-quality pace bowling with greater composure and confidence. According to Pietersen, Gill’s improved trigger movement—a slight adjustment in his initial setup—has been a game-changer. This tweak has given Gill more time to react to fast bowlers, enabling him to play with greater assurance and control.
"I talked about a trigger when you get into big boy's cricket and you face the faster bowlers. You need to set yourself, and it's a start that he's now started to take when he's been batting. I think that it's improved the way that he's played. It's improved him as a player, and it's calmed him down because it's given him a little bit more time. So, the technical change in that adjustment that Shubman Gill's made has made him into a quality player," Pietersen explained.
Pietersen also praised Gill’s ability to play the short ball effectively, particularly his signature pick-up shot and punch off the back foot. These shots, Pietersen noted, make Gill a daunting prospect for bowlers, as they cannot rely solely on short-pitched deliveries or length balls.
"What makes it even more intimidating to bowl to is his ability to just play that pickup shot, that little punch shot off the back foot. A bowler can't just hover short of a length. He has to either attack the top of the stumps or deliver a very, very good bouncer. So, he's improved his game. He'll want to keep improving, he'll want to stop getting 60 and getting out. He'll want to get the 100 like Rohit," Pietersen added.
Gill’s partnership with Rohit Sharma in the Cuttack ODI was a testament to his growing maturity and ability to perform under pressure. The duo put together a crucial 136-run stand, with Gill playing the perfect supporting role to Sharma’s century. Gill’s 60-run knock was laced with his trademark short-arm pulls and elegant stroke play, showcasing his ability to dominate both pace and spin. Although he fell to a pinpoint yorker from Jamie Overton, his contribution was vital in setting up India’s successful chase.
Gill’s consistent performances have not only silenced critics but also reinforced his position at the top of India’s batting order. With young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings, Gill’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations has made him an indispensable part of the team. His adaptability and technical prowess have been key to India’s success in recent years, particularly in the ODI format.
As India looks ahead to the Champions Trophy 2025, Gill’s form and temperament will be crucial to the team’s title aspirations. His ability to handle pace, play spin with ease, and anchor the innings makes him a vital cog in India’s batting lineup. With the guidance of experienced players like Rohit Sharma and the backing of former greats like Kevin Pietersen, Shubman Gill is well on his way to becoming one of the finest batsmen of his generation.
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