NEW DELHI: Cricket commentator and former Indian player Aakash Chopra has pointed out a "slight technical deficiency" in Shubman Gill's batting, suggesting that while this style may be effective on flat pitches and in white-ball cricket, it falls short in the challenging conditions of Test cricket.
Gill has played 19 Test matches for India since his debut in 2020 against Australia in Melbourne. Despite accumulating 994 runs in 35 innings with an average of 31.06, a closer examination reveals his struggles against formidable Test opponents like New Zealand, England, and now South Africa.
In his encounters against these teams, Gill has managed only 140 runs in five matches at an average of 17.50. Specifically facing New Zealand, he has accumulated 180 runs in three matches, maintaining an average of 30.
Hosting JioCinema's daily sports show '#AAKASHVANI', Chopra spoke about Gill's struggle in Test and said, "Gill was impressive in the series against Australia when India toured, and looked like a player for the future. He's batted well in ODIs which is his favourite format and done modestly in T20s. But in Tests, against England, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies, I don't think he has performed well. So, there is a question mark."
"He started off as an opener. Then he batted at No 3. Eventually, he wants to bat at No. 4 is what I feel. But he needs to start scoring runs. There's a slight technical deficiency in his batting, too. He's a player who likes to play mostly with his hands and does not rely mainly on his feet. So, this approach may suit flat pitches and white ball cricket. But that does not work in Test cricket," Chopra added.
India suffered a defeat by an innings and 32 runs in the first Test of the two-match series against South Africa.
The visitors scored 245 in their first innings, thanks to a tenacious KL Rahul century. South Africa, on the other hand, replied forcefully with Dean Elgar, who will retire after this series, creating a superb 185.
David Bedingham (56) and Marco Jansen (84) added significant fifties. India struggled in their second innings and were bowled out for 131.
The second Test will start on January 3 at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.
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