Stylish Indian batsman Shubman Gill has spoken highly of Rohit Sharma’s leadership, highlighting the Indian skipper’s approach of granting players the freedom to express themselves on the field.
In a conversation with JioCinema, Shubman Gill also touched upon his impressive form in 2023, World Cup preparations, his affinity for Ahmedabad, his admiration for captain Rohit, and how the series against Australia is serving as valuable preparation for India’s upcoming encounter in Chennai during the World Cup.
Here are some key excerpts from the interview:
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Q: You’ve had an exceptional year in 2023. Do you believe that your lead-up to the World Cup has been ideal?
A: Yes, this year has been fantastic for me. Our World Cup preparation has been on the right track. The momentum we gained from the Asia Cup has been beneficial. Peaking at the right time is crucial for a major tournament with numerous matches.
Q: What are the distinctions between T20 and ODI cricket, and how do you adjust your game for each format?
A: Time is the primary factor. In ODIs, we have more time, and it’s evident that the team performing well between the 15th and 40th overs has the best chance of winning. We don’t play as much one-day cricket nowadays, so exercising patience during that phase is crucial. The team that excels in the middle overs will likely emerge victorious.
Q: How did you adapt your game to face a formidable team like Australia in an ODI series?
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A: Mental preparation is crucial. Against a team like Australia, you can’t afford to give them any openings; they fight until the end. It’s essential that we deny them any opportunity to get back into the game whenever we can.
Q: This is a team that defeated us at home in 2019 and March 2023. Does your preparation change when facing such a team?
A: Certainly. That’s a sign of a strong team. They defeated us in the series we played in March, coming back from 1-0 down. This series serves as an excellent test before the World Cup match in Chennai, helping us fine-tune our weaknesses. The focus is on what we can learn here that will benefit us there.
Q: Tell us about Rohit Sharma and the conversations you have with him.
A: Rohit gives players considerable freedom to express themselves. He instructs the coaches to let players make decisions on the field, emphasizing that players should be the best judges. This quality is what makes him an exceptional player and captain.
Q: You seem to be a different player when playing in Ahmedabad. What is it about the city that brings out the best in you?
A: Ahmedabad has an incredible crowd, and the capacity is enormous. It’s motivating for me. Additionally, the atmosphere can be intimidating for someone playing there for the first time, but I genuinely enjoy it. I feel comfortable in that environment.
Q: Any special preparations for facing Australia?
A: There isn’t any specific technical preparation. It’s mainly mental preparation to ensure that you don’t let your ego take over when they challenge you in certain areas. Sometimes, you may feel like you can hit every ball for four, but it’s crucial to remain patient and disciplined. It’s all about mental readiness, not technical adjustments.
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