In the forthcoming five-match Test series against England, which starts on June 20, Indian Test captain Shubman Gill has been told by Australian icon Ricky Ponting to think about dropping down the order to bat at No. 4. In the IPL 2025 season, Shubman Gill recently guided Gujarat Titans (GT) to third place in the standings.
Ponting thinks that a change in the batting order may ease Shubman Gill workload, particularly given the burden of captaincy. India is looking for a long-term No. 4 candidate after Indian legend Virat Kohli retired.
“He has had excellent white-ball form. He still needs to improve his batting in Test matches. “And it’s never easy when you’re a new captain. It won’t be easy for him to have to worry about your batting to the extent that he will have to,” Ponting added.
The former Australian captain proposed that Shubman Gill may start at No. 4 to offer solidity in the middle order if India starts with Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
They need a more seasoned player at number three, either KL Rahul or Karun Nair, if they choose to start with (Yashasvi) Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan. Shubman would then be able to bat at four. You can return to No. 3 once you are comfortable with it,” Ponting continued.
Shubman Gill would not be deterred: Ponting
Ponting said he had faith in Gill’s ability to lead and thought the 25-year-old had the temperament to handle stress. Additionally, he identified certain areas in which Gill has to strengthen his focus, especially throughout extended innings.
He just seems like the kind of person who wouldn’t be too bothered by the additional duty. He is a really level-headed individual. Ponting acknowledged, “He’s going to be around Indian cricket for another ten years.”
“I believe he applies it more mentally. Technically, nothing is incorrect. However, he occasionally has a tendency to overthink things or act a bit slack during an innings. For six or seven hours of the day, you must give every ball your whole attention. That’s Shubman’s problem,” he continued.
Ponting needs to regulate his strokeplay.
The head coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) stressed the value of mental toughness and stroke control over merely having a strong defence.
“Not all of the best Test players had outstanding defensive performances. However, that is less of a concern if you have control over your strokeplay. “Mentality is more important than defence,” Ponting said.
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