Cricket sensation Shubman Gill has transformed his batting for England’s challenging conditions, incorporating key advice from legend Sachin Tendulkar, which has led to a remarkable run of three centuries.
The Batting Hurdle
Before this crucial series in England, Shubman Gill faced a recurring issue: a reluctance to transfer his weight quickly onto his front foot. This weakness made him vulnerable to quality seamers, who would exploit it with good-length deliveries that either trapped him LBW or bowled him out.
Pace bowlers like James Anderson, Tim Southee, and Mohammed Shami had successfully dismissed him this way. His childhood training on cement tracks often led him to bat either standing tall or even slightly pushing back, which worked well for punching balls on the rise but not against the moving ball in England.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Masterclass
Just before the first Test at Leeds, Sachin Tendulkar offered crucial advice regarding Shubman’s technique. Tendulkar emphasized the importance of a strong front-foot stride, noting that most batters are dismissed on their front foot.
He advised Gill to focus on getting forward, having a “nice stride on the front foot,” and defending well. Tendulkar also stressed playing in the ‘V’ (straight down the ground) and maintaining a side-on stance, which helps in both defending and leaving balls that aren’t meant to be driven.
Gill Delivers on the Advice
The immediate test came in Leeds, where England’s bowlers, including Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse, targeted Gill with the very nip-backers that had troubled him before. However, a noticeable change was visible in Gill’s approach.
His front foot, usually hesitant, was now gliding forward with intent. Even against Chris Woakes, who could swing the ball, Gill’s improved front-foot movement kept his hands from straying, allowing him to wrist the ball to the on side effectively.
Why the Change Was Crucial
While Shubman was aware of his issue, he had previously tried various tweaks instead of a direct front-foot adjustment, fearing it might disrupt his established technique. Past attempts included shuffling sideways or leaning in, but these didn’t fully address the challenge posed by good-length deliveries that skid or seam.
In England, where the ball doesn’t bounce as much as on Australian pitches, a strong front-foot movement became almost essential. It prevents batters from getting stuck on the crease and losing their shape against swing and seam.
Expert Praise and Future Tests
David Johnston, batting mentor to Kane Williamson, had observed Gill’s weight-transfer issue years ago and was impressed by the transformation. He highlighted that good batting is fundamentally about weight transfer and that Gill’s new approach provides better balance.
- Shubman Gill adopted Sachin Tendulkar’s advice on front-foot movement.
- This change addressed a long-standing vulnerability to nip-backers in overseas conditions.
- He has scored three centuries in England since implementing the new technique.
While his improved technique has yielded fantastic results so far, the upcoming matches, especially at Lord’s with its bowler-friendly conditions and the potential return of Jofra Archer, will provide an even sterner test of his new-found approach.
