How Shubman Gill’s calls to Sachin Tendulkar and Steve Smith revived his Test career

Shubman Gill reveals how Sachin Tendulkar's advice helped him. (BCCI Photo)

In every aspect of the game, Shubman Gill has made a name for himself as a regular for the Indian squad. The batter's success during the most recent England trip cemented his status as the best batter in the game's longest format, even though ODIs are still the cricketer's strongest pursuit.

However, the current Indian Test captain did not have an easy time in the format. For the game's longest format, critics and experts have frequently voiced concerns about his temperament and technique. But a little conversation with the game's top performers and an outstanding performance during a difficult international tour have silenced his detractors.

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During a recent interview with JioHotStar, Gill disclosed the filter he used to a lifetime's worth of batting noise. “There was pressure of not doing well outside India. But I was feeling very confident in terms of my practice, mentally, and what positions I was getting into. I spoke to Sachin Sir and also took the phone number of Steve Smith from Matthew Wade. Both said the same thing: defend straight and score square,” revealed the batter.

Like a tidy coaching distillate, Gill's admission lands. Gill's statement exposes a fundamental that both Tendulkar and Smith adhered to, despite the fact that they are two extremely different batters in terms of batting techniques, playing era, and styles. In order to play in the "V" and cash out anything on square, both urged that Gill maintain an honest bat face. This is the ideal example of how to play successful percentage cricket under difficult circumstances.

Before making the necessary adjustments, Gill often struggled with his front-foot weight transfer, which left him vulnerable to deliveries seaming back from a good length. In English conditions, that flaw is ruthlessly exposed, turning batters into easy candidates for LBW, bowled, or chasing one away from the body.

Gill ironed out his flaws by committing fully to his stride, staying side-on, and backing a solid straight defence. He unleashed his hands only when the length truly warranted square-of-the-wicket strokes. The transformation was emphatic—754 runs in five Tests at an average of 75.40, including four centuries in his first series as captain.