Should Gill Adapt His Batting Style for England?

New Delhi, May 25 (NationPress) Renowned Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara asserts that newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill should maintain his current batting style ahead of the five-match tour to England commencing on June 20.

However, Pujara, who has played 16 Tests in England and has significant county cricket experience, emphasizes the need for Gill to comprehend the shots he can execute in varying situations and conditions during his first full-time tour of England.

On Saturday, Gill was announced as India’s 37th Test captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement, with his initial challenge being the tour of England, marking the team’s first series in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.

“Regarding his batting style, I would argue that it shouldn’t change. He needs to play in the manner that suits him in Test cricket. He is an aggressive player and enjoys showcasing his skills. Therefore, he should continue to play his natural game,” stated Pujara.

“At the same time, he must learn when to play specific shots, which shots are appropriate for English conditions, and identify which bowlers to challenge. These are aspects I trust he will evaluate and understand,” Pujara, who has participated in 103 Tests, shared during a virtual interaction with IANS organized by Sony Sports Network, the official broadcasters of India’s tour of England.

Gill’s experience in England has been limited, having participated in two WTC finals in 2021 and 2023, and played the rescheduled fifth Test from the 2021 series in Birmingham in July 2022. Additionally, he had a brief county stint with Glamorgan. With an away average in Tests of just 27.53 compared to 42.03 at home, Gill must enhance his performance in overseas Tests, especially now that he’s taken on leadership responsibilities.

How Gill copes with English inswingers and handles challenging batting scenarios will be closely observed, regardless of whether he bats at number three or four. For instance, in the Sydney Test against Australia earlier this year, Gill returned to the playing eleven after Rohit opted out.

In that match, Gill’s dismissals—being stumped and caught behind by the keeper off Nathan Lyon and Beau Webster—left many puzzled. Furthermore, in England, Gill must strengthen his defensive techniques against pace and navigate the new Dukes ball before unleashing his aggressive play in a controlled manner.

“As he prepares for England, he will recognize the shots he can effectively play while the ball is new. There are also certain shots to avoid when the ball is fresh and swinging or seaming. This situation is quite similar to Australia, where the ball behaves more for the first 25-30 overs before settling down,” he added.

“Once the ball ages, a batter can afford to play a few more shots. However, if he bats at number three or four and India loses a couple of early wickets, he may need to adjust his approach. He possesses the capability to do so, and I am confident he will grasp what is necessary once he is there,” Pujara concluded.