IPL 2022: As A Player, I Should Be Capable Of Playing Any Shot In The Book - Shubman Gill

Indian opener Shubman Gill said that he likes to back his strengths and play orthodox shots but in the shortest format of the game, it’s good to have all the shots in a batter’s armoury.

Ahead of the IPL 2022 season where he will play for Gujarat Titans (GT), Gill has a lot to prove. He has fallen out of favour with the national team selectors but the IPL is the perfect platform for him to get back into the thick of things. Speaking about why he chooses to play textbook strokes, Gill said it is a natural part of his playstyle.

“There isn’t a particular reason. It’s just that I back my strengths to be able to hit the bowler over his head rather than trying to be cheeky. But yes, as a player, I should be capable of playing any shot in the book.”

“And on some particular wickets, it’s difficult to hit bowlers down the ground. As a player, I am trying to learn more shots and how to be able to play all over the ground. You might see me play some cheeky shots in this IPL,” Gill told TOI.

“If you ask me what I prefer, I would love to bat in the top-order” – Shubman Gill

Gill will be part of the GT franchise which is making its debut in the league. They are yet to finalize their batting order but for Gill, he would prefer staying at the top. However, that isn’t to say Gill cannot be flexible, as showcased in the early stages of his career.

“I started my IPL career with KKR batting at numbers 6 and 7. The first whole year (2018), I batted at No.6, and maybe once, if I remember, I did open the innings in 14 games. I think I batted at No.4 once that season.”

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