Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has expressed his concern regarding Shubman Gill’s defensive strategy in India’s recent encounter with Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup. Gill managed to score only 10 runs from 32 deliveries and Kaif feels that Shubman Gill is looking to survive rather than scoring runs.
Kaif highlighted the importance of openers like Gill adopting an aggressive approach against the opposition in initial overs. He emphasized the need for them to actively target and disrupt the line and length of the bowlers, rather than relying solely on waiting for loose deliveries to score runs.
Mohammad Kaif talked on Star Sports after India’s net session. He said,”Gill showed no intent in that game (Pakistan). He had faced about 19-20 deliveries (32), and the only boundary he got was down the leg side. So he definitely needs to work on his intent.”
He further added,”When the ball swings at pace, you need to get into positions quickly, and that is something that Gill will need to do in the indoor nets.”
Kaif suggested that to face Shaheen Afridi, Gill could practice against side-arm throwers particularly those who use a left-arm side-arm angle.
“The side-arm throwers generally try to shape the ball into the batters, and that is something that will certainly help Gill. If you see his dismissal (against Pakistan), he couldn’t bring his bat down in time and his stumps were rattled.”
“So this left-arm side-arm thrower will definitely test his bat speed, and that’s something that will help him while facing Shaheen Afridi.”
