(Source X)
Before the third ODI against Sri Lanka, India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill was observed receiving batting guidance from cricketing icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The match is set to take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Gill has struggled with form throughout the series. In the first ODI, he was dismissed for 16 off 35 balls, appearing out of rhythm while attempting to accelerate. In the second ODI, although he began promisingly, he was dismissed by a superb catch at first slip by Kamindu Mendis off Jeffrey Vandersay’s delivery.
With only 51 runs across the two ODIs so far, Gill’s performance has been below his usual high standards. He will be aiming to deliver a match-winning performance in the final ODI to justify his role as vice-captain and demonstrate his value to the team.
Shubman Gill seeks batting advice from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
As reported by prominent sports journalist Vimal Kumar, Shubman Gill engaged in an extended conversation with Virat Kohli prior to his stint. Kohli shared insights into his approach for the crucial game, discussing strategies related to the wicket and how to manage the pace of the innings.
Following this discussion, Gill proceeded to his practice session. Once it was completed, the 24-year-old had a detailed conversation with Indian captain Rohit Sharma, focusing on strategies for handling spin on such pitches.
Shubman Gill’s international record
Shubman Gill boasts an impressive ODI record and has been a part of India’s ODI squad for approximately the past two years. He has accumulated 2,322 runs in 46 ODIs, averaging 59.53 with a strike rate of 102.11. His ODI career includes six centuries and 13 half-centuries.
Although still establishing himself in both Test and ODI formats, the Indian team management views Gill as a potential all-format player and future captain. In 25 Test matches, he has scored 1,492 runs at an average of 35.52, with four centuries and six fifties.
In T20I cricket, Gill has made 578 runs in 21 matches, averaging 30.42 with a strike rate of 139.27. He has registered one hundred and three fifties in the format, and he has recently expressed a desire to enhance his T20I performance.
Throughout his brief international career, Gill has shown exceptional skill against pace bowling, thriving when the ball comes onto the bat. However, he has faced challenges with slower, more sluggish pitches, which have been prevalent in recent ODIs against Sri Lanka.
India’s batters struggle against Sri Lankan spinners
The pitch has provided significant assistance to spinners, which has constrained Shubman Gill’s scoring options. Nonetheless, Gill’s talent and ability suggest he can adapt and overcome this challenge. It will be interesting to see how he handles the Sri Lankan spinners in the final ODI.
As for the series, India is under pressure, trailing 0-1. The first match ended in a tie, while Sri Lanka secured a memorable victory in the second ODI.
Sri Lankan spinners have been instrumental in both games so far. In the first match, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Charith Asalanka excelled, while Jeffrey Vandersay dominated the Indian batters in the second ODI.
