Indian cricket star Shubman Gill has been in phenomenal form, dominating the series against England, and his Gujarat Titans teammate Jos Buttler has revealed a surprising secret behind his success: a unique underarm batting practice routine.
Shubman Gill’s Unstoppable Run
Shubman Gill has been on an absolute tear, breaking records two games into the series against England. With four innings under his belt, he’s already amassed an impressive 585 runs, boasting an average of 146.25.
His incredible performance includes twin centuries at Edgbaston and another century in Leeds. Such a remarkable run has naturally piqued interest in his training methods.
The Unique Underarm Drill
Jos Buttler, who shares the dressing room with Gill at Gujarat Titans, shed light on the young batsman’s preparation. He noted that Gill incorporates a lot of “basic drills” and surprisingly, a significant amount of “underarm drills.”
Buttler explained the purpose behind this unconventional practice for a Test cricketer: “It’s just the muscle memory, moving into the right positions, hitting the ball late.” This type of drill helps Gill groove his shape and develop the crucial habit of allowing the ball to come to him before playing the shot.
Mastering the Fundamentals
According to Buttler, Gill frequently talks about and practices hitting the ball late and towards the ground. This fundamental approach is a hallmark of elite batsmen who possess excellent control and timing.
The underarm drills, while seemingly simple, are key to reinforcing these habits. They build the muscle memory needed to consistently get into the correct hitting positions and ensure the ball is played with precision and control.
England’s Challenge and Gill’s Mindset
From an opposing team’s perspective, Buttler admitted England hopes Gill “doesn’t go on and break more records.” He emphasized the urgent need to find ways to dismiss the in-form batsman.
Buttler also highlighted the feeling of invincibility that comes with such purple patches. “As a batter when you’re in that space you feel untouchable. You want to keep that momentum and energy on your side,” he added, noting Gill’s focus on staying in that zone.
A Father’s Influence
Gill’s father has played a significant role as his coach growing up, a detail Buttler pointed out. He believes Gill likely receives encouraging phone calls from his dad, urging him to maintain his exceptional form. This close guidance provides a strong support system for the young star.
Chasing Cricket History
Shubman Gill’s current form puts him on track to chase a legendary record: Don Bradman’s 974 runs in the 1930 Ashes series. While a colossal target, Gill’s early performances suggest he has the potential to make a significant dent in such historic benchmarks.
- Shubman Gill is in record-breaking form, averaging 146.25 in the current series.
- He employs unique underarm drills to improve muscle memory and body shape.
- This practice helps him hit the ball late and accurately towards the ground.
- Elite batsmen often share this trait of letting the ball come to them.
- Gill’s father plays a crucial role as his mentor and coach.
As Gill continues his sensational run, his unique training methods offer a fascinating glimpse into the dedication and innovative approaches taken by modern cricketers.
