Edgbaston : After scripting a sensational double hundred in the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Indian Test captain Shubman Gill opened up about the mental and technical adjustments that helped him deliver one of the most memorable innings of his red-ball career.
Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Match Centre Live’ at the end of Day 2, Gill revealed how he recalibrated his approach mid-innings and drew inspiration from his early days with the bat. “I felt the ball had gone soft, and my shots were going straight to the fielders. I was around 35–40 off 100 balls and spoke to Gautam bhai about it. The runs weren’t coming as easily as they did in the first Test, and I knew I had to bat deep. That’s when I went back to how I used to bat as a kid—focused on rhythm, stayed relaxed, and didn’t overthink the score,” he shared.
Back to Basics, Forward in Style
Gill’s innings was as much about resilience as it was about elegance. What stood out was not just the final tally but the journey he undertook within the innings—facing initial struggles, recalibrating his mindset, and anchoring the innings with poise.
“I had worked on my initial movement and setup during the IPL and the lead-up to this series,” Gill explained. “Earlier, I’d often get out in the 30s or 40s—maybe because I missed the window of peak focus. This time, the plan was clear: stay in the moment and enjoy the batting.”
The Format Flip: From T20 Flair to Test Grit
The Indian skipper also spoke about the challenges of transitioning between formats—a reality that modern cricketers face more than ever.
“Switching from T20 to Test cricket is not easy. You go from instinct-based cricket to extreme discipline. I started red-ball practice during the IPL to reset my rhythm. Test to T20 is manageable, but the reverse is a true test of discipline,” Gill explained, offering insight into his preparation.
Experts Weigh In: Praise for Gill’s Masterclass
Former England batter and JioHotstar analyst Jonathan Trott praised Gill’s ability to adapt under pressure.
“The pitch here at Edgbaston was slower than Headingley, which can be tricky for someone like Shubman who thrives on pace. But what impressed me was how he didn’t force the issue. He absorbed pressure, then found his moment to accelerate. That’s what separates a good knock from a great one,” said Trott.
Bowling Analysis: Akash Deep Makes His Mark
Former pacer Aaron (surname not specified) also analysed the role of young Indian seamer Akash Deep, whose bowling perfectly suited the conditions.
“Akash is what I call a ‘kiss-the-surface’ bowler. He’s not trying to bounce the batter out—he’s hitting that fuller length and getting the ball to nibble. On a pitch like Edgbaston, where bounce is moderate, he’s the perfect fit. You don’t want someone banging it in short—you want that seam movement. And Akash delivered exactly that.”
India’s Position After Day 2
- Shubman Gill: 212* (Record Double Century)
- India First Innings Total: 427/6 declared
- England at Stumps: 89/3
As the Edgbaston Test enters Day 3, India is firmly in control, thanks to a captain’s knock from Gill and a disciplined bowling performance led by Akash Deep. The tone is set—not just for this Test, but for what could be a defining chapter in Shubman Gill’s career as both a batsman and leader.
