Ricky Ponting warns Shubman Gill ahead of Test captaincy debut against England
Australian legend Ricky Ponting reckons Shubman Gill will have to work on his batting in Test cricket and should bat at the No.4 slot in the upcoming Test series against England. Several contenders are looking to replace retired Virat Kohli at the No.4 position. Ponting is backing Gill to take up the important position, at least at the start of his leadership stint, with the five-Test series from June 20.
“He has been magnificent in white-ball cricket. However, he will have to work on his batting in Test cricket. It is not going to be easy, considering he is a captain. It won’t be easy for him as he is now the side skipper,” Ponting told PTI. The right-handed player started his test career as an opener before moving down in the batting order to accommodate Yashasvi Jaiswal in the playing XI. Ponting said India had made the right call to give the captain’s armband to Shubman Gill.
“I wanted him to lead India in the Sydney Test last summer when Rohit Sharma opted out of the game, and there was injury concern for Bumrah. Bumrah broke down in that game,” he said.
“I have spoken to Shubman Gill a few times, but don’t know him well. He did a good job for the Gujarat Titans,” he added.
“But it seems the extra responsibility will not impact him. He has a level head on his shoulders. He will be around for the next 10 years.”
Ponting wants Gill to work on his mental side of batting in red-ball cricket.
“We have seen some great players who were not good at defence. Virnder Sehwag was one. You don’t have to think about your defence if you control your stroke play. I know it’s a big part of the longest format, but mental application is more important.”
Ponting doesn’t say any technical fault in the new captain’s defence.
“You can’t afford to be lazy in the middle of the Test innings. It is going to be a challenge for Gill.”
Ponting wants Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan to open the innings. He favors KL Rahul taking the No. 3 slot and Gill coming out at the No.4 position.
“You need experience with no.3 and no. Slot. KL and Gill will be good for these slots.”
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