The Australian legend Ricky Ponting has suggested Indian Take a look at captain Shubman Gill to contemplate shifting down the order to bat at No. 4 within the upcoming five-match Take a look at collection in opposition to England, which begins on June 20. Gill just lately led Gujarat Titans (GT) within the IPL 2025 season, taking the franchise to 3rd place on the factors desk.
Ponting believes a shift within the batting order may assist scale back the stress on Gill, particularly with the accountability of captaincy. With the retirement of Indian stalwart Virat Kohli, India are searching for a long-term No. 4 candidate.
“His white-ball type has been extremely good. He is acquired a bit bit of labor to do, on his Take a look at match batting. And that is by no means straightforward once you’re a brand new captain, to have to fret about your batting to the diploma that he’ll should, it will not be straightforward for him,” stated Ponting.
The previous Australian captain urged that if India opens with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, Gill may slot in at No. 4 to offer stability within the center order.
“In the event that they go together with (Yashasvi) Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan as openers, they want somebody extra skilled at No. 3 — perhaps KL Rahul or Karun Nair. That might enable Shubman to bat at 4. When you develop into it, then you’ll be able to transfer your self again as much as No. 3,” added Ponting.
Gill wouldn’t faze an excessive amount of: Ponting
Ponting expressed confidence in Gill’s management and believed the 25-year-old had the temperament to deal with stress. He additionally identified a number of areas the place Gill wants to enhance, significantly his focus throughout lengthy innings.
“He simply appears the type of man that the additional accountability wouldn’t faze an excessive amount of. He’s acquired a very stage head on his shoulders. He’s somebody who’s going to be round Indian cricket for an additional 10 years,” Ponting conceded.
“I feel it’s extra his psychological software. There’s nothing fallacious technically. However typically, he would possibly get forward of himself or be a bit lazy throughout an innings. You’ve acquired to be 100% dedicated for each ball, for six or seven hours of the day. That’s the problem for Shubman,” he added.
Must be accountable for his strokeplay: Ponting
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach emphasised the significance of mindset and stroke management over only a stable defence.
“Some nice Take a look at gamers didn’t have nice defensive video games. However should you’re accountable for your strokeplay, that’s much less of a fear. Defence is essential, however mindset issues extra,” Ponting concluded.