There are compelling indications that more centuries are on the horizon, and more importantly, India’s No. 3 batsman is starting to validate the trust placed in him.
Shubman Gill’s signature bow after reaching a hundred has become a cherished moment for Indian cricket fans, embodying a visual delight. However, this celebration was notably absent just last February.
Since stepping up to the No. 3 position during the West Indies tour in 2023, Gill faced a challenging phase, going through 10 innings without crossing 40 runs. He encountered various hurdles, including front foot issues that left him vulnerable to pace attacks and unexpected troubles with spin. It appeared he was grappling with confidence in his own technique.
For a player who had never gone three consecutive innings without a major score at the age-group level, these consecutive failures added immense pressure. Even a century couldn’t alleviate his fear of missing out. "At one point, I felt disconnected from the sport. Even when I played well, I didn’t feel right. I constantly felt I was lagging behind, and the joy of succeeding in that one game was just not there," Gill remarked in an interview with The Indian Express in May.
Despite producing a notable century in Vizag against England earlier in the year, his characteristic bow was again absent. However, it made a comeback in Dharamshala weeks later and reappeared last week in Chennai against Bangladesh. After an initial dismissal in the first innings, Gill’s second-innings century showcased his most fluid performance in a while. While the bowling attack he faced posed limited challenges, batting at No. 3 often means no room for complacency.
There are strong signs that more centuries are forthcoming as India’s No. 3 is beginning to reward the faith vested in him. Evidence suggests that Gill has been diligently refining his game, particularly in countering spin and improving his response to in-swing deliveries. Traditionally, spinners have found success against him, exploiting openings and taking advantage of his hesitancy.
Since that crucial innings in Vizag, Gill has evolved into a more assured batsman. He now exudes confidence in his defence and has successfully incorporated footwork, allowing him to both defend and attack spin bowlers. "I started practising against spinners from a young age," Gill shared. "Being tall has aided my footwork, while my ability to play lofted shots developed as I gained strength. Initially, my focus was on stepping down to rotate the strike, which makes it difficult for bowlers to settle in, especially on pitches where the ball turns unpredictably."
In addition to his enhanced performance against spinners, Gill’s aggressive mindset is what led the previous coaching staff, under Rahul Dravid, to support him in the No. 3 role. They recognized the need for a dynamic player in this position as they transitioned from Cheteshwar Pujara.
With a unique technique that doesn’t strictly adhere to conventional norms, there are solid grounds for backing Gill’s approach. Having played on cement pitches in his youth, he developed a strong back-foot game and an impressive array of shots. His unconventional batting style allows him to handle deliveries that would challenge most other batsmen. It’s no surprise that India sees Gill as a potential run-scoring machine. As a teenager, he would often check the Cricket Archive website to compare his scores with those of Virat Kohli at the same age, driven by high aspirations. However, this intense determination to succeed initially overshadowed his enjoyment of the game until he recalibrated his perspective.
As Gill continues to adapt to this pivotal role, he has eight more home innings before facing the considerable challenge of touring Australia. During his debut tour Down Under in the 2020/21 season, Gill notably impressed with a score of 91 during a thrilling run chase at the Gabba. Since then, he has only progressed further, earning the title of the Prince of Indian cricket as he awaits his rightful acknowledgement. This season will undoubtedly clarify how soon he may ascend to his throne.