India’s young batting sensation, Shubman Gill, has set his sights on solidifying his place in the Indian Test team through consistent performances.
Despite his recent form revival, particularly in the England series, Gill believes he has yet to fully meet the high expectations placed on him in Test cricket.
The 24-year-old batsman admits that his journey in the longer format has been a learning curve. Though his average of 35.52 from 25 Test matches demonstrates potential, Gill feels there is still room for significant improvement.
His recent success, including a standout 452-run haul against England, has come as a result of a conscious effort to tighten his defensive game. This focus on technique has allowed him to play with greater patience, helping him better adapt to the challenges posed by red-ball cricket.
One key factor behind his recent resurgence is his move to the No. 3 position in the batting order. Gill, who typically bats at No. 3 in domestic cricket, requested this change in order to bring his international role in line with his preferred slot.
The switch paid off handsomely during the England series, where Gill delivered a crucial century in Vizag, solidifying his ability to play the anchor role in India’s top order.
Despite these positive strides, Gill remains humble about his journey and acknowledges that he still has a long way to go in Test cricket.
“There is always room for growth,” he said, reflecting on his performances so far. With the upcoming ICC World Test Championship fixtures on the horizon, Gill is optimistic about further honing his skills.
India is set to face a demanding schedule, including three home Tests against New Zealand, followed by a five-match series against Australia in early 2024.
Gill’s determination to succeed and his ability to adapt to different conditions will be crucial as India navigates this challenging phase.
The talented batsman is confident that with consistent performances, he can cement his place as a mainstay in India’s Test lineup, contributing to the team’s pursuit of World Test Championship glory.
