Former Indian batting coach Mohammad Kaif believes it won’t be easy for Shubman Gill in tough English conditions. Gill doesn’t have a promising record while batting outside the Indian subcontinent, as he has an average of 25.
Furthermore, the flamboyant has scored only 88 runs in three Test matches in England at an average of 14.67. Gill would look to lead from the front as a leader and deliver for his team.
India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant has also confirmed that Gill would bat at number four against England.
Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “I think it won’t be easy for Shubman Gill to score three centuries in the series. The ball moves in England, you need a solid defense. You need an idea of the off stump; you have to leave the balls because it moves late. If he stays consistent, scores 50s or 60s and a century in one of the games, then he’ll do his job as a captain.”
“His record is not that good in England. He is an attacking batter with a higher back lift, whenever he’ll play, he’ll play quickly but in England, you need attacking as well as solid defense. You have to leave the deliveries. You need to face the spells when the ball moves a lot. Like I said solid defense, he might be able to do it. He is a great white-ball batter. Loves playing every ball, an attacking batter, so, he might not score three centuries but might hit two tons,” he added.
On Thursday, Gill said he wants to be the best batter in the series in the pre-match press conference.
He said, “When I go out there to bat, I want to think like a batter, not a captain. That can add pressure. I want to be the best batter in this series.”
The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.
