IND v NZ 2023: “His basic game is made for T20 cricket,” Gambhir says Shaw better option than Gill in shortest format

Shubman Gill has registered scores of 7 and 11 in two T20Is against New Zealand so far.

Shubman Gill is yet to find his feet in T20I cricket | BCCIHaving impressed one and all with his exploits in ODIs and Tests, Shubman Gill got an opportunity to make his T20I debut against Sri Lanka earlier this month.

However, the classy right-hander is yet to find his feet in the shortest format of the game at the international level. In five T20Is so far, Gill has amassed 76 runs, which includes a score of 46.

In the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, Shubman has registered scores of 7 and 11 in two games thus far.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir isn’t pleased with Gill’s T20I performance as he believes the latter’s ‘basic game' suits ODI cricket more. On the other hand, Gambhir feels Shaw is a better option for the shortest format.

“He still hasn't found his feet in T20 format, when it comes to playing international cricket. Sometimes you have to play at a different tempo. His basic game suits 50-over format. Someone like Prithvi Shaw, his basic instinctive game is made for T20 cricket. Shubman Gill is someone whose basic game is made for 50-over format. How quickly he learns and adapts to this format will decide whether he will be able to play all the three formats,” Gambhir said on Star Sports.

In the two innings, Shubman Gill got out to spinners on turning tracks and Gambhir advised the young opener to improve his spin game.

“I feel Shubman Gill has to get better against spin, on a spinning wicket. He had his struggles against Bangladesh as well. Yes, he has been fabulous in the 50-over format, got good wickets to bat on, with 5 fielders inside, But then, you've got to get better when the ball starts spinning, gripping and bouncing as well. He will get tested, not only against seam but spin as well,” Gambhir remarked.

The third and final T20I between India and New Zealand will be played in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (February 1).

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 31 Jan, 2023

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