 |
|
Shubman Gill's journey from IPL sensation to a crucial component of India's T20 batting lineup underscores his evolving skillset and strategic importance. Following a stellar 2023 IPL season where he amassed 890 runs, the clamor for his inclusion as an opener in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad was palpable. However, his inability to replicate that form consistently in national colors led to him missing out on the tournament held in the US and Caribbean. Despite not reaching the heights of his previous IPL performance, Gill's 650 runs in the subsequent season proved sufficient to not only secure a place in India's T20 squad but also earn him the distinction of being the team's vice-captain. This elevation raises the question: what factors have contributed to this shift in perception and opportunity for Gill? One significant aspect is the presence of established veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the previous setup. Including Gill alongside these stalwarts would have resulted in three batsmen with a similar playing style, particularly with the resemblance between Virat Kohli and Gill's approach. The article identifies a crucial gap in India's T20 batting order following the retirement of experienced players: the absence of a batsman capable of shifting gears and adapting to different match situations. Gill's inclusion directly addresses this deficiency. Beyond his leadership qualities, the Indian team management recognizes the value of Gill's batting approach, which combines aggression with calculated risk-taking and the ability to modulate his tempo as required. Unlike some batsmen who struggle to transition between different phases of a T20 innings, Gill demonstrated in the recent IPL that he has matured significantly in this format. He showcased his capacity to accelerate from the outset, decelerate when necessary, and then surge again to finish strong. This versatility was achieved not through reckless hitting, but by relying on his fundamental strengths, favoring well-placed boundaries over risky sixes.
Gill's growing mastery of accumulation was evident not only in the volume of runs he scored but also in his improved striking rate and scoring consistency across various venues. A deeper analysis of his T20 performance between 2022 and 2024 reveals a strong reliance on his home ground in Ahmedabad. Of the 2637 runs he scored during this period, 1027 came at the Titans' home base, with an impressive average of 79.00 and a strike rate of 166.99 in 17 innings. However, his performance outside the Narendra Modi Stadium was less remarkable, with 1610 runs in 55 innings, an average of approximately 31 runs per dismissal, and a strike rate of 135.97. The most recent IPL season witnessed a notable change in this pattern. Gill more than doubled his scoring outside Ahmedabad (446) compared to his home ground (204), while also achieving a significantly higher average. His middle-overs (7-16) striking was particularly impressive, showcasing his enhanced adaptability. He was among the top performers in this phase, with only Suryakumar Yadav and Jos Buttler scoring more runs at a higher strike rate than Gill's 323 at 163.13. Furthermore, a remarkable 82 percent of these runs were scored away from Ahmedabad. Among Indian batsmen who scored at least 250 middle-overs runs in the 2025 season, Gill's average of 80.90 was the highest, achieved while facing 198 balls. While he had previously accumulated more runs in the middle overs (454 in 2023), his performance away from home was a significant improvement, marking a key milestone in his development as GT's captain.
This newfound versatility is highly valued by the Indian team management as they prepare for the next T20 World Cup. A key consideration for the selectors has been the understanding that T20 batsmen need consistent opportunities to perform. The team management has traditionally been hesitant to make drastic changes to the batting lineup, believing that frequent changes based on short-term failures can discourage aggressive intent and lead batsmen to prioritize securing their place over taking risks. However, with the T20 World Cup in sight, the selectors also recognize the importance of having a batsman of Gill's caliber, who can score effectively without resorting to high-risk shots. In the recent IPL season, where he finished fourth among the highest run-scorers, Gill demonstrated his ability to inflict significant damage through boundaries alone. His strike rate of 155.87 was higher than that of Virat Kohli (retired) and KL Rahul (not in the T20 frame), which is a notable point, even though there is room for improvement in this area. Currently, the Indian team is in a favorable position to accommodate Gill, given the presence of other aggressive batsmen in the lineup. The upcoming T20 World Cup could be played on pitches that are not entirely batting-friendly. In such scenarios, the Indian team will require a batsman who can adapt to the conditions and play according to the situation, rather than simply focusing on aggressive intent. Gill is seen as the ideal candidate for this role.
The question of where Gill will bat in the lineup is a key consideration. With Gill's inclusion seemingly assured at the top, India may need to adjust their batting order slightly. If they prefer not to disrupt the opening partnership of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, slotting Gill at No. 3 could be a viable option, followed by Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Rinku Singh. If the team management believes Gill is best suited to open the innings, then it will necessitate further changes to the batting dynamics. Given that Samson is primarily a top-order batsman, and considering that chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar revealed that Samson was initially selected because Gill was unavailable, it is plausible that India may now consider a wicketkeeper who can bat in the lower middle-order. This complex scenario is likely a factor in the selectors' decision to favor Jitesh Sharma over Dhruv Jurel, who had previously been India's second wicketkeeper in the T20 squad. India has historically prioritized batting depth, a common strategy among teams that adopt a high-risk approach. However, Gill's inclusion could potentially lead to a shift in this approach. Unless India intends to utilize Hardik Pandya as their new-ball bowler, they will need to allocate slots for at least two seamers and two spinners, such as Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, who are considered X-factor players. This configuration could compromise batting depth, making Gill's solidity even more crucial. While it may necessitate a slight change in approach, the Indian team believes it is better to experiment with these adjustments now, rather than waiting until closer to the T20 World Cup.
Source: Asia Cup: How Shubman Gill completes India’s T20 batting puzzle