Shubman Gill has been widely recognized as a promising talent in Indian cricket, with the potential to become a significant figure. However, a recurring issue has hindered his performance – a slow transfer of weight onto the front foot, making him susceptible to losing his stumps or falling prey to LBW or return catches against full-length deliveries.
Noteworthy bowlers such as James Anderson, Kyle Jamieson, Mohammad Shami (in the IPL), Chris Woakes, Tim Southee, and Pat Cummins have successfully exploited this vulnerability.
While Gill himself isn’t proclaiming to be the next big thing, the label brings expectations and scrutiny. A good batsman may falter occasionally, but someone aspiring to greatness should address and overcome such weaknesses. Legendary players like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Brian Lara had their challenges, but these were not consistently exploited weaknesses.
Questions about Gill’s weight transfer have lingered since his international debut, with Kane Williamson’s batting coach, David Johnston, identifying it early on. Johnston noted Gill’s preference for standing tall or pushing back, being late in moving forward, especially against deliveries that nip back.
Despite excelling in Australia in 2021, Gill hasn’t rectified this issue, as predicted by Johnston. Gill’s natural technique, developed on cement tracks in his village, involves standing tall or pressing back, making a conventional correction challenging without disrupting his successful setup. To compensate, he adopted an exaggerated front-shoulder lean-in stance in recent Tests, a reminder to stay prepared for forward movement.
However, this adjustment has its drawbacks. Gill occasionally finds himself late in moving forward, providing an opportunity for skilled bowlers to exploit. While he’s attempted to address the issue creatively, the challenge remains, and his journey to iron out this flaw continues on the international stage.
Awareness leads to solution
Batting involves the intricate dance of weight transfer and maintaining composure while executing shots. In contrast to players like Williamson, who initiates a small forward press but uses it merely as a starting point, Gill’s approach is different.
Johnston, a commentator, notes that after Gill’s initial forward press, he adjusts dynamically based on the delivery’s length. Gill refuses to be constrained by the crease, preventing bowlers from dictating lengths. However, despite his awareness of the issue, Gill faces challenges when the ball moves off a full good length, relying heavily on his exceptional hand-eye coordination.
Acknowledging the importance of key elements like shoulder alignment and being slightly side-on, Gill emphasizes the significance of maintaining a good position relative to the ball, even when foot movement is not optimal.
Despite having excellent hands, Gill realizes his limitations and has minutely analyzed his technique. He acknowledges the need for constant improvement and consults with his father before making significant changes. Aware that no technique is foolproof in cricket, Gill emphasizes the importance of understanding weaknesses and working on them.
Recognizing weight transfer as a concern, Gill has experimented with adjustments, such as reducing his initial back-foot movement and experimenting with the lean-in of the front shoulder. His self-awareness as a batsman is evident in his deliberate tinkering with his technique.
Abhishek Nayar, one of Gill’s mentors, praises the young batsman’s deep understanding of his game and skill set. Nayar highlights Gill’s reliance on technique and describes him as a player who has an all-round game, excelling on both the front and back foot.
As Gill faces the challenges of South African conditions, including the formidable pace duo of Rabada and Ngidi, along with other talented seamers, the test is on. While on paper, Gill should thrive in these conditions as he did in Australia, the real challenge lies in the pacers’ ability to exploit the conditions.
Cloudy weather might force the South African pacers to adopt a full-length strategy for swing and movement. Gill’s prowess will be put to the test as he strives to prove that he is the best young Indian batsman of his generation on the field, showcasing his skills against a formidable bowling attack.
