2024 got off to a bad start for Shubman Gill. In the two Test series against South Africa, he appeared mediocre, and in the opening game against England, the young player once again fell short of expectations. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar said that the 24-year-old needs to improve his defence when discussing his struggles in the middle.
Since Gill has more experience than many of the hitters in the starting XI, he would have to assume greater responsibility in the absence of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli during the second Test match against England in Visakhapatnam. Although his form is a little concerning right now, he has historically performed well against both swing and spin.
Manjrekar said that while it won't be easy for him to get started in that manner, the team management must address this uncontrollable aspect.
“Shubman Gill, how does he react to his failures? He needs to do something about his defense if he wants to be the prolific run-getter in the team at the Test level, both against swing and spin. That’s a cause for worry and that’s something that won’t be solved easily. These are uncontrollable for the team management, and the selectors,” Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo.