Young Indian batter Shubman Gill silenced his critics with an outstanding century on Day 3 of the ongoing second Test against England in Vishakhapatnam on Sunday, February 4, 2024.
Gill’s controlled innings saw him overcome initial challenges, scoring an impressive 104 off 147 deliveries. Despite his confidence-boosting performance, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen expressed some concerns about his technique.
Pietersen, who is commentating in the ongoing Test series in India, further criticized Gill's 'lazy' technique while comparing it with that of cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting.
Kevin Pietersen said on Jio Cinema: “There is one technical flaw and that is that he is not busy enough before the ball is bowled. And it is an argument I have had with people around, whether you have the trigger or not, whether you get yourself into the game.”
He continued, “I believe that in the Test match arena, bowlers are just that little bit quicker and they make you make decisions quicker. The step up is that he does need the trigger. Shubman Gill's batting is very... I would say almost lazy in the way that he stands at the crease.”
Comparing Gill’s style with Tendulkar and Ponting, Pietersen said: “He waits for the ball to be delivered before he makes any movement. And what I would like for him to see from him is that on the load up, just get a little bit ready. Look at all the great players.”
He signed off by saying, “Tendulkar didn't do it that much but he did on occasions. Ricky Ponting, they say, didn't have a trigger but he did have a front-foot press. Even Lara. They all had a trigger and brought themselves into the game before the release.”
(With PTI Inputs)
