Why Shubman Gill makes for an ideal middle-order batter in Tests?

In a very short span, Shubman Gill has shown that he is a superstar in the making. All of 23, he boasts of an impeccable record in all three formats of the game. He is the youngest batsman to score a double century in ODIs, has the highest score (126*) by an Indian in T20Is and has also recently added a second Test century (128) to his kitty, his first on home soil (Pic: AFP)

Updated On: 2023-06-28 09:00 PM IST

Compiled by : Srijanee Majumdar

Shubman Gill (Pic: AFP)

With a technique splendidly suited for middle-order, his distinguished stroke-play, coupled with an uncanny ability to find gaps and be consistent with the willow are all a bonus, as demonstrated by his impressive average in first-class cricket. 

Perhaps, the most impressive aspect of Gill’s batting is his wide range of strokes, both off the front and back foot, be it against spin or pace. He never gets bogged down and always tries to dominate the bowling.

Gill's strike rate in first-class cricket reflects his ability to maintain a healthy scoring rate at all costs. This could come in handy in the middle order, where it is required to consolidate or accelerate, depending on the match situation.

Be it pace or spin, averaging 43.21 and striking at 136.57 in the IPL until June 2023, Gill can naturally dominate all kind of bowling lengths.

If there's one thing the youngster needs at the moment, it is an improvement is his current Test average, which is just 34.23 in 15 Tests, compared to 73.66 in 21 ODIs and 40.40 in six T20Is. But then, Gill has always been in and out of the Test XI.

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