Shubman Gill scored mere 57 runs at an average of 19 and strike rate of 61.3 against Sri Lanka in ODIs. Do India need to look out for another opening option?
Shubman Gill, India's young and promising opening batter, has been one of the most consistent performers for the national team in the One Day International (ODI) format over the past two years. With a remarkable blend of classical technique and modern aggression, Gill has established himself as a vital cog in India's ODI batting lineup. However, his recent performances in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka have been far from satisfactory, leaving fans and critics questioning what went wrong for the talented right-handed batter.
A Series of Struggles: Gill’s Performance in the Sri Lanka ODIs
The recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka was expected to be another opportunity for Shubman Gill to shine and solidify his place at the top of the order, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner. However, the series turned out to be a nightmare for Gill, as he struggled to find his rhythm and failed to make any significant contributions with the bat.
In the first ODI on August 2, 2024, Gill was dismissed for just 16 runs off 35 balls. Facing the left-arm spin of Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage, Gill attempted to break the shackles by playing a slog sweep but only managed to mistime it, handing a simple catch to the wicket-keeper. His dismissal not only cost India early momentum but also highlighted his vulnerability against spin, particularly on slower surfaces where the ball tends to grip and turn.
The second ODI on August 4, 2024, saw Gill’s woes continue. This time, he fell prey to a slightly full-ish, outside-off delivery, thanks to a stunning catch at slips by Kamindu Mendis off the bowling of leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay. Gill attempted to drive and ended up edging it to the slip fielder. He managed only 35 runs off 44 balls in this innings. Sri Lankan bowlers exploited his weakness effectively, keeping him on the back foot and never allowing him to settle.
The final ODI on August 7, 2024, was perhaps the most disappointing of all. With India needing a solid start, Gill was expected to step up and anchor the innings. Unfortunately, he was dismissed for a mere 6 runs, this time falling to pacer Asitha Fernando. This time, it was a quicker delivery that skidded on, keeping shad low, Gill came down town, aiming to whack it over mid-on, but the ball didn't bounce much and collided on the stumps. His attempt to play across the line proved fatal, and his dismissal was a clear indication of his struggles with shot selection and judgement under pressure.
Gill’s aggregate of 57 runs in three matches at an average of 19 and strike rate of 61.3 was a far cry from his usual standards. His failure to convert starts into meaningful scores and his repeated errors in judgement were glaring issues that not only cost him personal milestones but also placed additional pressure on the middle order.
The golden run before the slump: Gill’s ODI success in the last two years
Despite his struggles in the Sri Lanka series, it is essential to acknowledge Shubman Gill’s impressive record in the ODI format over the last two years. Since 2022, Gill has been one of the standout performers for India in ODIs, consistently scoring runs at the top of the order and often providing the team with solid starts.
Gill made his ODI debut in January 2019, but it was in 2022 that he truly announced himself on the international stage. In a series against Zimbabwe in August 2022, he scored his maiden ODI century, an unbeaten 130 off 97 balls, showcasing his ability to pace an innings and play according to the situation. This knock was followed by several more impressive performances, including a match-winning 208 off 149 balls against New Zealand in January 2023, becoming the youngest India batter to score a double century in ODIs.
The year 2023 was nothing short of a dream if you take his World Cup 2023 performance aside. He ended up as leading ODI run scorer in 2023 with 1584 runs at an average of 63.36 at an impressive strike rate of 105. His ability to adapt to different conditions and bowlers, combined with his solid technique, made him one of India’s most reliable batsmen in the 50-over format.
What went wrong in the Sri Lanka series?
Given his stellar record, Gill’s poor run in the Sri Lanka series came as a surprise. Several factors could have contributed to his lack of form. Firstly, the nature of the pitches in Sri Lanka, which tended to be slow and conducive to spin, may have unsettled Gill. His difficulty in rotating the strike and finding gaps in the field could be attributed to the pressure of dealing with spin, a challenge that the Sri Lankan bowlers presented effectively.
Secondly, the mental aspect of the game cannot be overlooked. Cricket, especially at the highest level, is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. Gill’s inability to convert starts into big scores could suggest a lapse in concentration or confidence, possibly due to the pressure of expectations and approaching ICC tournaments. The pressure on him has also increased as he became the vice-captain of India’s cricket team in white-ball format.
Finally, the tactical approach of the Sri Lanka bowlers, who consistently targeted Gill’s weaknesses—such as his vulnerability to the slightly over-pitched deliveries and his tendency to play across the line—played a significant role in his dismissals. The bowlers stuck to their plans, not allowing Gill to settle into his natural game.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Redemption
Shubman Gill’s disappointing performance in the Sri Lanka series does not diminish his talent or potential. It serves as a reminder that even the best players go through rough patches and that success in international cricket requires constant adaptation and learning. For Gill, this series could be a valuable lesson in dealing with adversity and refining his game against specific challenges.
As India gear up for the Champions Trophy 2025, Gill will need to regroup, work on his weaknesses, and regain his form. His track record over the past two years suggests that he has the ability to bounce back stronger. With the right mindset and preparation, Shubman Gill can put this series behind him and continue to be a key player for India in the future.
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