Shubman Gill — The Model Student Finds His Test Match Groove

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Shubman Gill is the model student — the class monitor who seemingly can do no wrong. He attends every class, listens intently to his teacher, scores the highest marks, and ticks all the right boxes to be the perfect pupil. But it wasn’t long ago that Gill found himself out of favour — dropped from the Melbourne Test and burdened with a modest overseas record.

Fast forward to the ongoing England tour, and after just three innings as captain, Gill seems to have truly arrived. He has refined his technique — his head no longer falls across to the off-stump, his bottom-hand grip is looser, and he’s embracing the demands of Test cricket by playing late and with composure. It’s the look of a batter in control — one who understands the grind and is ready to lead from the front.

“All the credit must go to Yuvraj Singh — my son,” said former India cricketer Yograj Singh, lauding Gill’s technical transformation. “Just look at the way Gill is holding the bat — he’s using only two fingers for a soft bottom-hand grip. Yuvi is really turning out to be a great coach.”

It’s becoming increasingly clear that chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his team were spot on in backing Gill to lead the side. His calm authority and marked technical improvements have stood out on this England tour. “Gill is truly playing well and will continue to excel because of the hard work he’s put in at the nets,” Yograj added. “When the hard work shows, it shows — and it certainly is now.”

Whether Gill should focus exclusively on Tests and ODIs — and step away from T20s — is a decision only he can make, in consultation with the selectors. But what’s undeniable is the aura surrounding the No.4 position in Indian Test cricket. It’s a spot steeped in history, once owned by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Even Gill’s mentor Yuvraj batted at No.4 in ODIs, which is again a co-incidence.

Now, Gill appears poised to make that coveted position his own. With a solid technique, growing maturity, and a hunger for big runs, he seems ready to carry forward the legacy of India’s batting greats at No.4.

“This position is the home of legends,” Yograj added.