Ponting Highlights Gill's Struggles Abroad: A Call for Improvement
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Dubai, Dec 24 (NationPress) Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has pointed out that Shubman Gill, the Indian opener, has not been as successful in foreign conditions as he has been at home. However, Ponting is optimistic that minor modifications to Gill's approach could lead to better results in Australia.
In his overseas outings, Gill boasts an average of 23.8 over nine Tests played in England, Bangladesh, West Indies, South Africa, and Australia. In contrast, during the same time frame, he has amassed 1177 runs and secured four centuries in 17 Tests at a commendable average of 42.03 on home turf.
“I thoroughly enjoy watching him play. When he is in form, he appears as skilled as any player in world cricket. Yet, the statistics are not favorable for him, are they, away from home?” Ponting remarked during The ICC Review.
Since his remarkable performance at the Gabba in 2021 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where his composed 91 was pivotal in India achieving a historic series victory, Gill has managed just one Test century outside India, which was against Bangladesh in 2022.
After an injury sidelined him from the first match in Perth, Gill returned to play, scoring 31 and 28 in Adelaide, followed by a single run in Brisbane. Ponting suggested that Gill might be complicating his technique.
“In Adelaide, I observed him and it seemed like he altered his technique excessively. When Scott Boland was bowling, he adjusted his guard, moved to the off stump, and presented his front pad, which led to his dismissal by a full delivery from Boland,” Ponting explained.
Nonetheless, instead of making drastic changes, Ponting advised Gill to trust his instincts more.
“What he needs is to have more confidence in himself, particularly in his defensive technique here in Australia, while also finding ways to score quickly.”
“When he plays at home or scores runs globally, he does so in an aggressive manner, almost without pondering about getting out but rather focusing solely on accumulating runs. If he approaches his game with that mindset and attitude, it could lead to a transformation for him in Melbourne,” Ponting added.
The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to commence on Boxing Day, with India aiming for victory to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship final.
