Coach Karsan Ghavri offers his words of wisdom to wrestler Shubman Gill
In the world of cricket, few stories are as compelling as that of Shubman Gill. Bursting onto the scene with a stellar performance in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he scored a remarkable 91 runs at the Gabba, Gill quickly became a household name. Fast forward to 2024, and the same player finds himself struggling with form and consistency, especially in difficult conditions abroad. His recent struggles have raised eyebrows and sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
Shubman Gill’s current struggles: a cause for concern
Gill’s return to the India The test side has not been smooth. After missing the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to a thumb injury, he managed scores of 31 and 28 in Adelaide, but faltered dramatically in Brisbane, scoring just 1 run. This pattern of inconsistency has led to scrutiny of his technique and temperament, particularly during tours of SENA countries. Former cricketers have expressed concerns about his ability to adapt to different conditions and maintain his composure at the crease.
Karsan Ghavri’s advice for Gill to overcome adversity
In the midst of this turmoil, Karsan GhavriGill’s childhood coach, remains a beacon of support and guidance. Ghavri stresses the importance of occupying the fold and adapting to different conditions. He draws parallels between Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswalwho recently excelled by focusing on survival and scoring big runs.
“Yashasvi taking the crease and scoring that big 100 was the reason why India won the first test. Shubman, as a pure batsman, should focus on hanging in there and learn to leave those balls and reduce his aggressive shots on every delivery. More determination is needed”, said Ghavri in a conversation with The Print, stressing that determination is crucial for success.
Ghavri’s advice goes beyond mere technical tweaks; encourages Gill to seek mentorship from legends like Rahul Dravid or Sunil Gavaskar. Such guidance could provide valuable insights to navigate difficult phases of a cricketer’s career.
READ also: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Shubman Gill is not playing the Boxing Day Test match against Australia
A worrying trend in statistics
A closer examination of Gill’s statistics reveals a worrying trend. From his debut against Australiahe has averaged just 17.80 in eight Tests outside Asia, failing to score above 36 runs in any innings during that period. His performances a England i south africa have been particularly discouraging, with averages of 14.66 and 18.50 respectively. These numbers underscore the challenges he faced in adapting his game to different pitches and conditions.
Mental Strength: The Unsung Hero
Ghavri also highlights the mental aspect of cricket, which is often overlooked. Maintaining mental intensity for five days is paramount to success in Test cricket. Ghavri echoes this sentiment, stating that mental fitness is just as crucial as technical ability.
“The pace at which matches are played here, especially Test matches, is one of the most difficult things to be able to maintain that intensity over five days. And more than anything else, mental intensity and mental fitness are required here”, Gill himself acknowledged after India’s defeat in Adelaide.
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