Shubman Gill has always been considered cricketing royalty. That he had special talent has been known for years. When he dazzled the world with his skill during the U-19 World Cup, many argued that India had identified a successor to the legendary Virat Kohli. Gill was the prince who would in time be elevated to the status of king.
Some years down the line, and we may say the promise hasn’t been fulfilled. Yes, there have been occasions when the world has watched in awe as Gill showed glimpses of brilliance. His 93 against Australia at The Gabba in 2021 comes to mind. Taking the attack to the Australians, it was Gill who made a statement that was carried forward by Rishabh Pant. Again, in the IPL of 2023 and in the 50-over format on occasions, Gill was special. Not so much in Test cricket, and that’s the real problem. In the absence of Kohli, India needs Gill to step up. Take control and make a statement. Hard hands against Tom Hartley in the second innings in Hyderabad and that’s where the floodgates really opened for India. A resolute Gill, and may be India wouldn’t have lost the Test match.
Vizag is a massive opportunity for Gill. To establish himself and showcase his class. His ability is being doubted and the clamour is already being heard that he is the one who should make room for Kohli if he makes it back for the third Test. Another failure in Vizag and the noises will only grow louder. Naysayers are sharpening their knives. In the absence of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, not to forget Pant, this is the most vulnerable India has looked in a long time at home. In fact, it is almost The Gabba revisited, with half the first-choice XI side not available. That’s where Gill can make a difference. Step up and make the stage his own. Dance his own dance, and silence all doubters for the time being.
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One of the pictures from India’s practice that caught attention was Gill involved in a long conversation with Rahul Dravid, the coach. One of the best players ever at No. 3, there is no one better than Dravid to have a quiet word with Gill as he faces a stiff challenge. This is where sport becomes fascinating. For Gill, the battle is as much mental as it is about skill. That he has the skill to bat against Hartley, Rehan Ahmed or Shoaib Bashir is a given. But can he conquer his inner demons? The ones that will continually ask questions of him and plague his mind? The ones that often times take over the subconscious and turn things negative? May be that’s where Dravid comes in. To unclutter Gill’s mind and ready him for battle. A test within a Test, and one that could have a serious impact on the outcome of the match.
In Hyderabad, Gill looked uncertain as to whether to attack or defend. He was unnaturally slow on Day 1 when Yashasvi Jaiswal was blazing away. Trying to protect his wicket. Perhaps impacted a tad by the fear of failure. India had complete control on Day 1, and yet he looked somewhat out of sorts. It happens to every player when you aren’t in great form. Uncertainty creeps in and it inadvertently impacts the natural flow. A couple of false shots which go to hand compound the problems. While the good or merely average fall by the wayside, the greats come out of the rut and make a telling statement. Dravid has, Kolhi has, and now its Gill’s turn. If you are cricketing royalty, this is your court. Vizag and the English bowling. With many millions watching and a skipper in Rohit Sharma desperately wanting him to step up for the team, he wouldn’t find a better stage.
Make no mistake, India need Gill in Vizag. The team need him to score big and set things up. Bat for long hours and solve a few problems. But to do so, Gill needs to believe that he can. Enjoy the challenge rather than succumb to it. The second Test match could be the making of Shubman Gill, one more time. The transformation from good to great in the format that matters.
Also Read: Sourav Ganguly – Leading from the Front