Abhishek Nayar opens up on Shubman Gill’s challenges of switching formats heading into IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former Indian batting coach Abhishek Nayar believes it is going to be challenging for Shubman Gill to switch formats ahead of the opening Test match against South Africa. After the Test series against the West Indies, Gill led India in a three-match ODI series against Australia.

Subsequently, Gill played in the five-match T20I series against the Aussies. Gill will once again lead India in a two-match Test series against South Africa and he would look to carry his rich form.

The Indian skipper scored 754 runs in five Test matches against England at an average of 75.40 and then amassed 192 runs in two Test matches against the Windies.

“It’s not easy. No matter how much we discuss, for any player, when you play a format for a long time, it becomes easy for you as you get used to it. When you switch between formats, at times you think about increasing your strike rate. When you come here, you will have to bring your strike rate down. You have to take your time,” Abhishek Nayar said on Star Sports.

“Workload management is a thing that has been sidelined for Shubman Gill for now because he is playing cricket continuously. He will not complain. It remains to be seen what his mentality will be. He will once again be in the leadership role. According to me, it will be difficult,” he added.

Nayar praised Gill for delivering the goods with the bat after taking the captaincy onus on his shoulders.

“He has been phenomenal. I remember going into the England series, so many questions. I remember watching on TV, and from the first game to the last game, you not only saw Shubman the batter evolve, but you also saw Shubman the leader evolve,” he replied.

The former Indian batter noted that Gill has consistently delivered while batting at number four.

“It’s good times ahead for him. It’s going to be a good challenge against a good bowling attack, but No. 4 is something that’s suited him, and every guy who walks around with that MRF bat at No. 4 always does the job,” Nayar observed.

The opening Test match between India and South Africa will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, from November 14 onwards.