Shubman Gill admits he’s struggling to handle all three formats

India National Cricket Team Test and ODI captain, Shubman Gill, has finally opened up on the challenges of playing all three formats of the game for the country.

Shubman Gill admitted that he is not too comfortable at the moment and is trying to figure out the way ahead because he has been continuously playing cricket since becoming an all-format player.

I’m still trying to figure out how to balance playing across three formats - Shubman Gill

Gill entered the international cricket arena with his ODI debut for the India National Cricket Team in January 2019, and the next year, he received his Test debut cap in Australia.

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Shubman Gill had to wait till January 2023 to finally get his T20I cap, but was soon phased out of the 20-over squad. Although Gill wasn't a regular in the T20I team, he established himself as a proper ODI and Test batsman.

He was totally out of the scheme of things in T20I cricket, but suddenly, before the Asia Cup 2025, the selection committee decided to give him a recall and named him the deputy of Suryakumar Yadav.

The leadership position guaranteed him a place in the playing XI as an opener, and since then, he has become a regular for India across all three formats. Speaking on the eve of the Test series against South Africa, Gill talked about this and said:

"I’m still trying to figure out how to balance playing across three formats. Since the Asia Cup, it’s been a packed schedule — playing back-to-back matches and switching formats regularly. I’m still learning what works best for me in terms of performance and consistency."

The challenge is more mental than physical - Shubman Gill

The Indian skipper added that mentally it is challenging to play all three formats, and physically, he is fine to handle that.

"The challenge is more mental than physical. Of course, there’s jet lag and travel fatigue after touring Australia, but physically I feel fine. It’s more about staying mentally sharp. It’s a good challenge and also a great learning curve for me," he added.

While talking about his preparations, Gill revealed that he doesn't think about captaincy when he is in the middle with the bat in hand.

"In terms of my own preparation, I focus mainly on how I can succeed as a batter. Once I’m out there as captain, I like to back my instincts — that’s when I make my best tactical decisions. When I’m batting, I consciously think like a batter, not as a captain," Gill said.

I have a lot of good memories here - Shubman Gill on playing in Kolkata

Shubman Gill further said that, being a professional cricketer, he needs to be ready to deal with the challenges of switching between formats.

“Turning around in just four or five days, coming from another country, and shifting formats is mentally challenging. The body needs to adapt, and playing Test cricket in India brings its own unique demands. It’s both mentally and physically testing. But as professional cricketers, we know what’s required — how we respond to these challenges defines us," he said.

In the end, Shubman Gill said that he has good memories of playing at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata because he started his IPL journey with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

“I have a lot of good memories here. My IPL journey started at this venue, and every time I come back, it feels a bit like playing at the PCA Stadium in Punjab. The last Test we played here was a pink-ball match, which was also my first Test at Eden Gardens. It’s always a great honour to lead the country here," he said.

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