Overview:
Dasgupta also highlighted Gill’s batting position, arguing that he should be the core of the innings. He said Gill’s job is to provide the base and tempo point, so the other batters can shape their shots around him.
Deep Dasgupta has suggested that Shubman Gill should shift his approach in T20Is and focus on holding the innings together, much like Virat Kohli often did for India. Pointing to Gill’s recent run of low scores in the format, the former India wicketkeeper-batter said a steady presence at the top is important for the team’s balance as India begin their T20 World Cup title defence on February 7 in Mumbai against the USA.
Since his return at the Asia Cup, India’s T20I vice-captain has scored 291 runs in 15 innings, a return below expectations. Deep Dasgupta noted that anchoring one end, as Virat Kohli did, has previously worked well for India.
“Shubman’s role, in my view, is different because the rest are mostly stroke-makers. He has to anchor from one end, just like Virat did so well over the years, and let others play freely around him.
Dasgupta also highlighted Gill’s batting position, arguing that he should be the core of the innings. He said Gill’s job is to provide the base and tempo point, so the other batters can shape their shots around him.
“I see Shubman fitting into the kind of role Virat played. It’s not about having the highest strike rate, but about being more consistent than the rest, and that’s the role I see for him,” he added.
With the T20 World Cup around the corner and only a small window to prepare, Dasgupta said India would benefit if captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill focus on batting deeper to rebuild confidence. He maintained that the turnaround for both is not far away and that form will come back quickly.
“I don’t believe it will affect them too much, but in an ideal situation, you’d want Gill and Sky to get back among the runs. Fearless cricket comes at a cost, and that cost can be consistency, which is something you need to be aware of. Still, there will be worries because you want Surya and the others to hit form, and we don’t have a lot of matches left before the World Cup. They have the quality though, so hopefully it’s just about time,” he added.