Shubman Gill is expected to shine not only as the captain but also as a key batter in the upcoming India vs England Test series starting on June 20. While Gill has delivered impressive performances on home soil, his overseas record has been less consistent. His overseas average stands at 27.53, with 716 runs in 15 matches including just one century, compared to a strong home average of 42.03, accumulating 1,177 runs in 17 matches with four centuries. Amid these contrasting stats, Gill will carry the responsibility of leading India to their first Test series victory in England since 2007.
England to Target Shubman Gill: Insights from Nick Knight
Former England batter Nick Knight believes that Ben Stokes’ team will focus heavily on Shubman Gill in the upcoming series. Knight said, “Every side, including England, will target Gill because no team is more vulnerable than when its captain is under pressure. England will try to unsettle him, hoping it affects the whole dressing room.”
A longtime admirer of Shubman Gill, Knight recalled watching him as a teenager in the Under-19 World Cup and was impressed by his talent. However, Knight also noted a technical vulnerability in Shubman Gill batting — when lacking confidence, his front leg sometimes pushes too far across, impacting his body rotation and shot execution.
“This flaw becomes more critical against left-arm bowlers swinging the ball back into the pads, something England will surely exploit,” Knight added. He also mentioned that the line outside off stump will be a key challenge for Shubman Gill and other top-order batsmen in England conditions.
