IPL 2021: “Shubman Gill needs to get a little busy at the crease”, says Kevin Pietersen
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen is a big admirer of Shubman Gill’s talent and promise at the world stage, but he also finds a fault in India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) young batsman’s approach at the crease.
Shubman Gill, who was in absolutely majestic form and played a few memorable knocks during his debut Test series in Australia earlier this year, hasn’t been able to maintain that level of performance since.
After enduring a disappointing home Test series against England, the 21-year-old has also had underwhelming numbers from his initial games within IPL 2021. Gill’s scores in the tournament so far – 15, 33, 21, 0, 11, 9 and 43 – don’t give the best of readings.
Shubman Gill’s strike-rate at the top of the order has been an issue for KKR.
Pietersen gave his views on Shubman Gill’s struggles this IPL season and put it down to lack of proactive batting from the youngster. For Pietersen, Gill needs to be a little busier at the crease, which would automatically get the run-flow going.
“Let’s talk a little bit about Shubman Gill because I think that guy is so good. I absolutely love him as a player. I’ve been watching him quite closely recently and I think Gill needs to get a little busy at the crease. If he can do that, he can then get himself going. He just seems so lazy,” said Pietersen in a pre-match show for Star Sports
“Shubman Gill needs to get a little busy at the crease”, says Kevin Pietersen
Shubman Gill, easily one of the more prodigious batting talents that the country has produced in the last decade, did seem to be regaining his best form gradually.
His latest knock – a 43 versus Delhi Capitals (DC) – was glint with his classy strokeplay and included 2 fours and 1 six. And though the 38-ball knock wasn’t the quickest as per the T20 standards, Shubman Gill looked a lot better at the crease than he did in the previous matches.
Pietersen said it’s a matter of Shubman Gill adopting a more aggressive mindset and intent, and he will prove to be a more consistent and explosive batsman for KKR.
“Some of his dismissals. Some of his dismissals are really low and it looks like he doesn’t really fit the speed of the game,” said Pietersen. “You can get as a batter very lazy and I think he’s too lazy at the moment. He’s too accommodating.”
“I’d just like him to get a little bit busier and more proactive. Then he won’t miss those balls on his legs and start hitting them. I want to see purpose when he bats,” he added.