MELBOURNE: There's something magical about the sound of the ball hitting Shubman Gill's bat. When in form, his timing makes every shot feel just right. And we have seen that version of the batter in ODIs so often. He averages 58.20 in 47 ODIs, leaving no doubt about his class.
But the numbers have proved to be difficult to replicate in Test cricket. In fact, he hasn't even come close. An average of 35.76 in 31 Tests is poor for a batter of his class and these numbers drop to 29.57 when he tours the SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia). He has looked good in the middle but then, inexplicably, he loses his concentration and falls.
Gill's highest score in his last seven away Tests is 36 – a sign that he often gets starts but then gives it away. And this hurts India because he asked for and got the No.3 slot in the batting order.
Traditionally, the one-drop batter is the one who sets the tone for the innings. You may have your own way of doing it – like Ricky Ponting, you may counterattack, or like Rahul Dravid you could show that you are in for the long haul.
Approach issues
This story is from the December 24, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Gurugram.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 24, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Gurugram.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Left knee strapped, Md Shami lets his pace talk at India nets
Master of swing and seam warms up for big battles
FPI Shorts Mount as Street Awaits Trump Flux
The change of guard in America looms large over India's stock market, with foreign portfolio investors (FPI) raising bearish bets close to record levels a day ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President.
Today the guns in Gaza have gone silent. The road to this deal has been not easy at all, it was a long road. JOE BIDEN, US President
Palestinians burst into the streets to celebrate and return to the rubble of their bombed-out homes on Sunday after a ceasefire deal halted fighting in Gaza, and three female hostages freed by Hamas were reunited with their mothers inside Israel.
India Open With Big Win Over Windies
Indian bowlers shot a clueless West Indies batters out for a measly 44 to set up a commanding nine-wicket win to begin their title defence on a resounding note in the women's U-19 World Cup here on Sunday.
Trump at Helm Will Not Change Much for Global South in Climate Crisis Efforts
Gloom and doom is writ large in the climate sector. US President-elect Donald Trump's statements and previous actions on the climate issue suggest that even in these times of climate crisis, not much will change.
Woman sustains over 50% burns in acid attack by ex-husband in Kota
Police said they have yet to ascertain why the accused threw acid on his ex-wife
AI Challenge to Electoral Process
EC action on AI-generated content needs to be stringent. Mere labelling won't be enough
NMC draft rules allow non-med grads to teach medical students
THE PROVISION SPARKED MIXED REACTIONS WITHIN THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY. SOME ARGUED THAT IT MAY DILUTE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION
57 of 59 Accused Held in Athlete Rape Case: Police
The Notification Was Issued Following the Conclusion Made by an Expert Committee
GGM's infra funds won't be misused: Haryana minister
Haryana's minister of industries and commerce, environment, forest, and wildlife, Rao Narbir Singh, on Saturday, assured residents that the government will push for transparency and accountability from contractors hired for public infrastructure development projects, as he continued his outreach across Gurugram in multiple localities.
