Shubman Gill Playing ‘A Bit Too Tight’ In T20s, Says India Assistant Coach

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate stated that Shubman Gill has been trying too hard to justify his place in the T20 side.

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has said opener Shubman Gill is playing with excessive pressure in T20 internationals. He attributed this to Gill carrying the responsibility from his successful Test captaincy stint in England into the shorter format.

Gill returned to the T20I team during the Asia Cup in September. He has struggled for runs since, including a first-ball dismissal in the second T20I against South Africa. His form is a concern ahead of the T20 World Cup early next year.

Analysis from the Team Management For Shubman Gill

Following the 51-run loss in the second T20I, ten Doeschate explained the team’s view on Gill’s mindset. “Taking on the captaincy the way he did in England and how well he led and how much pride he took in that performance, I think an element of that carried over into what he wanted to do in the T20 side,” he remarked.

The coach noted discussions have been about encouraging Gill to play freely. “So if anything, he was too caring and maybe a little bit too tight. Like I said, towards the back end of Australia, the talks were around freeing up a little bit more, trying to relinquish that responsibility. (It was) certainly in that capacity where you feel like it is all about you and you really need to justify your place in the team,” ten Doeschate added.

He affirmed the management’s belief in Gill’s ability. “We don’t want him to do that. We want him to play as freely as he does during IPL seasons. We believe in his class and we believe he will come good, and exactly the same with Surya (captain Suryakumar Yadav who has also had an extended lean run).”

Ten Doeschate also expressed support for captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has had inconsistent form. “Surya is a quality player, and there is high expectation when playing as India’s number three. Although he hasn’t consistently scored runs recently, we are not concerned. We want him to attack and are confident he will succeed,” he said.