Sunil Gavaskar targets Shubman Gill’s ‘image obsession’, slams poor shot selection in Brisbane Test

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticized Shubman Gill for his poor shot selection during the first innings of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 against Australia. Sunil Gavaskar advised Shubman Gill not to go for a big booming drive well away from his body so early in his innings.

The right-handed batter was dismissed for just 1 run in the first innings at the Gabba in Brisbane on Monday, December 16. Gill went for an ambitious drive off Mitchell Starc but edged it. Mitchell Marsh, who was stationed at gully, took a spectacular catch to get rid of Gill, leaving Team India at 6/2.

Certain Shots Are Dangerous at the Start of Your Innings - Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar wasn't impressed with Shubman Gill going for such a risky shot just minutes after coming to the crease. Gavaskar stated that players should leave their "image" in the dressing room and save aggressive shots for later in the innings when set.

"Leave your image in the dressing room. Certain shots are dangerous at the start of your innings before you are set, and you don't have the measure of what the wicket is doing," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

"Keep all those shots in your back pocket. Take them out when you are 30-40-50 not out, then can you get those shots again," he added.

Shubman Gill Could Have Left That Ball Alone - Sunil Gavaskar

Speaking further, Sunil Gavaskar said that Shubman Gill's shot was a poor decision. Gavaskar pointed out that Gill could have left the ball, which would have gone to the wicketkeeper while praising Mitchell Marsh for his excellent catch.

“Not very good shot selection, you could say. It was a very good catch, so there was a little bit of bad luck as well over there. But he could have left that ball alone; it would have gone harmlessly to the wicketkeeper. Gill is now back in the dugout,” Gavaskar said.

Australia Is In A Commanding Position In The Third Test Against India

Australia is in a commanding position in the third Test against India at the Gabba. Australia posted a formidable total of 445 in their first innings, with centuries from Steve Smith (101), Travis Head (152), and 70 from Alex Carey. In response, India struggled against Australia's pace attack in the match.

Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant. KL Rahul was the only Indian batter to show some resistance. With rain expected over the next two days, India will rely on KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma to save the Test match.

Virat Kohli looked to have regained his form with a century in the second innings of the first Test in Perth. However, he has registered scores of 7, 11, and 3 in his next three innings at Adelaide and Brisbane.

Also read: Yashasvi Jaiswal blasted by Michael Vaughan over Brisbane Test failure: "Just trying to take out Mitchell Starc"