‘Shubman Gill is ridiculously talented’: Shane Watson backs Indian captain to master all three formats | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson believes Shubman Gill is “ridiculously talented” and has the ability to make the necessary adjustments in all formats to get big scores for India.Gill, who leads India in Tests and ODIs, has struggled to get runs in the ongoing white-ball series against Australia, hitting scores of 10, 9 and 24 in the three ODIs, followed by 37 not out, 5 and 15 in the T20 Internationals so far.
The right-hander arrived in Australia in fine form, having scored a hundred and fifty in three innings in two home Tests against the West Indies. The fourth T20I of the five-match series will be played on Thursday.“It takes time (to make adjustments), and it’s through trial and error that you really realize exactly what you need to do to make those adjustments, and also playing in different conditions,” Watson said.“But Shubman is a ridiculously talented hitter. He has incredible technique. It won’t take him long to be able to really work his way through the different formats, because when someone is as talented as him, it won’t take him too long.”Watson acknowledged that changing formats can be difficult, but said players improve with experience and playing time.“It’s definitely a challenge, and the more you do it, the better you really understand the little adjustments you need to make to your technique, your game plan, your mindset around each format to then be able to step into the best version of yourself each time you need to make that adjustment,” said the 44-year-old, who represented Australia in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs and 58 T20Is between 2002 and 2016.The former cricketer also praised India’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, who has impressed with his fearless batting in T20s.“He’s a real treat to watch. He’s incredibly good, isn’t he? He’s so fearless, but he also has the skills to be able to adapt to whatever is required,” Watson said.“It’s been special to see his development over the last two or three years, ever since he came in, he’s had opportunities for Sunrisers Hyderabad. And then to see him continue to explode the way he has. He’s got all the different equipment, he’s got all the different shots against different bowlers in different conditions as well.”Abhishek, 25, played a key role in India’s Asia Cup triumph and scored 19, 68 and 25 in the three T20Is so far against Australia.
