Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are embracing a batting philosophy similar to Sachin Tendulkar’s, where intense practice leads to intuitive, subconscious performance on the field.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Intuitive “Feeling”
After a measured innings, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was asked about his ability to seamlessly switch between defensive and aggressive play. He described it as a “feeling,” attributing it to extensive and rigorous practice.
For Jaiswal, decision-making during a match isn’t a conscious choice but an automatic response. This highlights how top athletes achieve a state where their bodies instinctively know the best option.
Shubman Gill’s Return to Basics
Shubman Gill faced a similar mental hurdle, consistently scoring runs but lacking that crucial “peak concentration.” He found himself getting 30-40 runs but unable to convert them into bigger scores.
To overcome this, Gill consciously reverted to his childhood batting habits. By going “back to basics,” he reconnected with an innate understanding of the game, allowing his subconscious to guide his performance.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Insights on the Subconscious
Years ago, batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar eloquently explained this phenomenon. He spoke about “surrendering yourself to the subconscious mind” during a game.
Tendulkar noted that while the conscious mind observes bowler’s cues, the subconscious takes over for execution. He emphasized that when the “active conscious ego” interferes, a player runs into trouble.
The Role of Relentless Training
Both Jaiswal and Gill are renowned for their exceptional work ethic, echoing Tendulkar’s legendary dedication. They frequently choose to train for long hours, even when team practice is optional.
This commitment to rigorous training builds muscle memory and sharpens reflexes. It allows their bodies to respond instinctively under pressure, bypassing conscious overthinking.
A Shared Path to Mastery
Jaiswal, much like Gill in his formative years, maintains an intense training schedule. He dedicates hours daily to facing hundreds of deliveries on various surfaces, focusing on making his body respond automatically.
Tendulkar himself, even in the twilight of his career, maintained an insatiable appetite for net sessions. This deep pursuit of intuitive mastery is a lifelong journey for these cricketing greats.
- Elite batsmen develop an intuitive “feeling” for shot selection through intense practice.
- This instinct allows their subconscious mind to take over during crucial moments.
- Sachin Tendulkar emphasized the importance of letting the subconscious guide performance.
- Consistent, disciplined training is key to achieving this state of effortless execution.
This shared dedication to practice and mental fortitude allows these players to make the incredibly demanding game of cricket look deceptively simple.
