Shubman Gill Thrives on Advice from Tendulkar and Smith in England

India’s cricket captain, Shubman Gill, has shared valuable insights he gained from cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Steve Smith ahead of the recent tour of England. Gill’s performance during the five-Test series was remarkable, as he amassed a total of 754 runs, including four centuries. This performance not only highlighted his skill but also showcased his ability to adapt, especially after shifting his batting position.

Gill, who is primarily an opener, was placed at number four in the batting order for the series. This strategic change came after India opted to open with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Despite this adjustment, Gill excelled, demonstrating his resilience under pressure. He acknowledged that competing outside India brought its own challenges, prompting him to seek advice from cricket’s finest.

In a conversation with Hotstar, Gill revealed, “There was pressure of not doing well outside India. But I was feeling very confident in terms of my practice, mentally, and what positions I was getting into.” He emphasized the importance of the guidance he received, stating that both Tendulkar and Smith advised him to “defend straight and score square.”

The young captain also faced the additional challenge of leading the team following the retirement of Rohit Sharma just before the series began. Despite this pressure, Gill’s leadership and performance contributed significantly to India securing a 2-2 draw in the tightly contested series.

Looking ahead, Gill aims to maintain his impressive form during the upcoming Test series against the West Indies. His recent success in England led to his inclusion in the Asia Cup squad. However, his performance in the tournament did not meet expectations, raising questions among fans and critics. Many believed that Sanju Samson was performing well at the top of the order, and some felt that if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) needed to select another opener, they should have continued backing Jaiswal.

Gill’s journey reflects the pressures and triumphs of international cricket, demonstrating how key advice and personal determination can shape a player’s success. As he prepares for the next series, fans will be keen to see if he can replicate his outstanding performance and further establish himself as a leading figure in Indian cricket.