Ricky Ponting Advises Shubman Gill to Bat at No. 4 for Upcoming Test Series
Ponting's Strategic Suggestion for Gill
Ricky Ponting, the renowned Australian cricket figure, has recommended that Shubman Gill, the Indian Test captain, consider batting at the No. 4 position in the forthcoming five-match Test series against England, commencing on June 20. Recently, Gill played a pivotal role in leading the Gujarat Titans to a commendable third place in the IPL 2025 standings.
Ponting believes that adjusting Gill's batting order could alleviate some of the pressures associated with captaincy. With the retirement of Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, the team is in search of a reliable No. 4 batsman.
Insights from Ricky Ponting:
"His performance in white-ball cricket has been outstanding. However, he still has some areas to improve in his Test match batting. Balancing captaincy with personal performance can be quite challenging, especially for a newcomer like him,"
The former Australian captain suggested that if India opts for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan as openers, it would be beneficial for Gill to step in at No. 4, thereby strengthening the middle order.
"Should they choose (Yashasvi) Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan to open, they will need a more seasoned player at No. 3, possibly KL Rahul or Karun Nair. This would allow Shubman to take on the No. 4 role. As he gains experience, he can eventually move back up to No. 3,"
Ponting expressed confidence in Gill's leadership abilities, noting that the 25-year-old possesses the right mindset to handle pressure. He pointed out a few areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining focus during lengthy innings.
"He appears to be the type of player who can manage added responsibilities without much trouble. He has a calm demeanor and is likely to be a significant presence in Indian cricket for the next decade. The key challenge for him lies in his mental focus. Technically, he is sound, but he sometimes tends to rush or lose concentration during innings. Commitment is crucial for every delivery over the course of a long day, and that’s where Shubman needs to focus,"
Ponting's Advice: A Potential Solution for Gill's Pressure
As India prepares for a demanding Test series against England, Ricky Ponting's insights could prove invaluable for Shubman Gill. With the added responsibilities of captaincy, transitioning to the No. 4 position might help Gill navigate the challenges of facing the new ball. His talent and composure are well recognized, and this minor adjustment could significantly benefit the Indian team. In the absence of veterans like Kohli, the squad is undergoing a transition, making it essential to strike the right balance in the batting order for success in the upcoming matches.