Shubman Gill Reflects On Struggles With Bat After Ranji Trophy Ton, Says 'Red-Ball Batting Is A Concern'

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Shubman Gill showcased a welcome return to form with a determined century in Punjab's Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Karnataka at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

Gill's resilient 102-run knock came in the face of a Punjab batting collapse, as they succumbed to an innings and 207-run defeat.

This knock holds special significance for the 25-year-old, who had endured a rough patch during India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia earlier this season, managing less than 100 runs across three Tests. Reflecting on his struggles, Gill admitted that he often pressured himself unnecessarily, which affected his concentration at the crease.

"Red-ball batting has been a concern," Gill told PTI. "Sometimes, I think with the red ball, in the matches that I play, I get very good 25-30 runs. In those moments, I put too much pressure on myself to score big runs, and that's not how I've grown up playing my game."

Gill emphasized the importance of staying engaged in the game, which helps him perform at his best. "There is a certain zone that I am in, certain intent that I am in, and sometimes I think I lose that because I put too much pressure on myself that I have to get a big run now that I am set," he explained. "I think in those crucial moments, I sometimes lose my focus and concentration. As a person, I like to be involved in the game and what is happening. It brings out the best in me as a player."

The GT man's tour of Australia saw him miss the Perth Test due to a thumb injury and was rested for the Melbourne Test. His only significant score was a half-century in a pink-ball practice game. However, his century against Karnataka was a confidence booster. "I think any innings that we play at any level, it's very important to get runs, get back in form, and have that feel. When you're playing well, staying in that zone as long as possible is crucial, and that's what I tried to do," Gill said.

Punjab's first innings saw them bowled out for a meager 55, with Gill falling cheaply. However, he showed grit and adaptability in the second innings. "This innings was very satisfying for me," Gill noted. "In the first 130 balls, I scored around 40 runs because they were bowling well, and the wicket had some help. After lunch, I decided to play more shots. With wickets falling from one end, I wanted to ensure I contributed runs and played some shots."

The Punjab batter also highlighted the value of domestic cricket in maintaining form. "If there's enough gap between matches and the next series, it's very helpful to play domestic games. Match situations challenge aspects of your game that practice sessions can't replicate," he explained. "When you're playing at any level, those challenges help you improve."

Despite Gill's valiant effort, Punjab managed just 213 in their second innings after Karnataka had posted a mammoth 475. Gill's century was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing match for Punjab, reaffirming his determination to get back to consistent form in red-ball cricket.