The intensity at which T20s are played right now is completely different: Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Star Indian opener Shubman Gill, is not just surviving but thriving in the middle of all the cut-throat competition of the sport. The youngster recently opened up about his mindset, leading the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, and handling the intense pressures of the game.

In a recent interview, Gill emphasized how strike rate determines your game when playing different formats, he also mentioned the need for tactical strategies. 

“As a batter, in any given situation, if you need to play slower, then you have to get the job done for the team. But if you are chasing over 200, you need to play at a 200-strike rate, you should have the game to be able to play that way,” he said in an interview to The Times of India.

“In Test cricket, people have started playing a bit faster because they think that is the best way to get the results. Now you don’t see that many draws with the WTC coming in. You wouldn’t see too many flat wickets. There’s always something for bowlers wherever you go because the teams want results,” he added.

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At just 24 years old, he has taken on the hugely successful IPL franchise Gujarat Titans captaincy. With India’s batting future resting on his shoulders, he is taking the challenge of constantly adapting and elevating his game across all formats.

The captaincy transition in GT has added a new responsibility on his shoulders. Hardik Pandya, who led the side for the first two years, moved to his previous franchise, Mumbai Indians. Ahead of the season, the 2022 title winners boldly decided to announce Shubman as their leader for the 2024 season despite having the likes of Rashid Khan and Kane Williamson in the mix.

“It’s very interesting captaining a franchisee who has been there for two years and played two finals. I have to see what more I can do than what I was doing as a player. It’s the same great bunch of players,” he added.

Also read: Shubman Gill discards captaincy baggage in IPL 2024

Very challenging when you switch to Test cricket: Shubman Gill

Under Gill’s captaincy in IPL 2024, the Gujarat-based franchise is currently in the seventh position on the points table and has won four out of their nine games. They are gearing up for their 10th match of the season against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which is set to take place on 28th April.

The leader of Titans’ pack also shared his insights about the T20 World Cup 2024 that will commence shortly after the cash-rich league culminates.

“It’s challenging, especially right now. It’s very challenging when you switch to Test cricket because the intensity at which T20 is played right now is completely different from maybe four years or eight years back. The mindset of the players also has changed quite a bit. It’s not a challenge, based on skills. It’s more of a mental challenge. But that’s also the best part about it,” the Punjab-born concluded.