India’s national cricket team’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has finally opened up on the challenges of playing all three formats of the game for the country.
Shubman Gill admitted that he is not very comfortable at the moment and is trying to figure out the way forward as he has been playing cricket consistently since becoming an all-format player.
I’m still trying to figure out how to balance the game across all three formats-Shubman Gill
Gill entered the international cricket arena with his ODI debut for the India national cricket team in January 2019 and the following year, he received his Test debut cap in Australia.
Shubman Gill had to wait until January 2023 to finally get his T20I cap, but was soon dropped from the 20-over squad. Although Gill was not a regular in the T20I team, he established himself as a proper ODI and Test batsman.
He was completely out of T20I cricket, but suddenly, ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, the selection committee decided to recall him and named him as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy.
The leadership position guaranteed him a place in the playing eleven as an opening batsman and since then, he has become a regular for India in all three formats. Gill spoke about this while speaking on the eve of the Test series against South Africa and said:
“I’m still trying to figure out how to balance the game across all three formats. Since the Asia Cup, it’s been a hectic schedule – playing back-to-back matches and changing formats regularly. I’m still learning what works best for me in terms of performance and consistency.”
The challenge is more mental than physical – Shubhman Gill
The Indian captain said that mentally it is challenging to play in all three formats and physically he is fine to handle it.
“The challenge is more mental than physical. Of course, there is jet lag and travel fatigue after the Australia tour, but physically I feel fine. It is about staying mentally sharp. It is a good challenge and also a great learning opportunity for me,” he said.
Talking about his preparations, Gill revealed that when he is at the crease with the bat in his hand, he does not think about captaincy.
Gill said, “In terms of my preparation, I mainly focus on how I can succeed as a batsman. Once I’m out there as captain, I like to back my instincts – that’s when I take my best tactical decisions. When I’m batting, I consciously think like a batsman, not as a captain.”
I have a lot of good memories here – Shubman Gill on playing in Kolkata
Shubman Gill further said that, being a professional cricketer, he has to be ready to deal with the challenges of switching between formats.
He said, “Moving around in just four or five days, coming from another country and changing formats is mentally challenging. The body needs adaptation, and playing Test cricket in India has its own unique demands. It is mentally and physically testing. But as professional cricketers, we know what is required – how we respond to these challenges is what defines us.”
Lastly, Shubman Gill said that he has fond memories of playing at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata as he started his IPL journey with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
He said, “I have many good memories here. My IPL journey started at this place and whenever I come back, it feels like I am playing at the PCA Stadium in Punjab. The last Test we played here was a pink-ball match, which was also my first Test at the Eden Gardens. It is always a big honor to lead the country here.”
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