India opener and T20 vice-captain Shubman Gill’s vulnerability against straight deliveries has emerged as a key area of concern, with former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar urging the young batter to improve his footwork to overcome the issue.
Gill has scored 291 runs in 15 T20 innings at a strike rate of 137.3, numbers that appear respectable on paper. However, Bangar pointed out that a deeper analysis reveals a noticeable dip in Gill’s scoring rate against deliveries bowled on a straight line.
“In the beginning, his footwork was very positive,” Bangar said while speaking on Game Plan on JioStar. “But if you remove three or four boundaries over 28 games, the issue has been on straighter lines. Against straight deliveries, his strike rate has fallen quite low.”
Bangar explained that Gill has generally been effective against balls outside the off stump, although that channel has also produced a few edges. “Outside off stump, his strike rate is good, but there have been a few edges as well. Overall, he has scored runs, but straight-line play is something he will want to improve,” he said.
Referring to Gill’s dismissal in the second T20I against South Africa, Bangar acknowledged the quality of the delivery. “The ball that got him out was a very good delivery. It could have dismissed any batter,” he said, adding that Gill’s footwork has shown improvement. “If he continues to play with clear footwork, he will be able to hit those same shots consistently, like the three or four boundaries we’ve seen.”
Praise for Abhishek Sharma’s Attacking Mindset
While highlighting Gill’s technical challenge, Bangar was full of praise for young opener Abhishek Sharma, underlining his aggressive intent and ability to clear the infield with ease.
“His attacking mindset is a key factor,” Bangar said. He pointed out that Abhishek’s high backlift and powerful swing give him exceptional reach. “He has the ability to strike the ball cleanly, especially over the covers, which is a special skill.”
Hardik Pandya’s All-Round Value
Bangar also lauded Hardik Pandya’s impact as a genuine all-rounder, calling him a crucial balance factor for the Indian side. With the bat, Pandya’s wide base and deep stance allow him to generate power across all areas of the ground.
“With the ball, his fuller deliveries at around 132–133 kmph, combined with swing and effective yorkers, make him a valuable asset,” Bangar said. “Pandya’s versatility provides India with a great balance.”
As India fine-tune their combinations ahead of major tournaments, Bangar’s observations underline both the areas that need attention—particularly Gill’s straight-line play—and the strengths that continue to power the team’s T20 ambitions.