NEW DELHI: Former England batter Kevin Pietersen believes Shubman Gill is on the path to becoming an even more dangerous player and expects him to start converting his starts into big centuries, much like India captain Rohit Sharma.
The 25-year-old vice-captain of India has been in fine form, emerging as the leading run-scorer after two ODIs against England. Gill has amassed 147 runs in the series, with scores of 87 and 60, but Pietersen feels he will be hungry for bigger knocks.
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Speaking on Star Sports after India’s four-wicket win in the second ODI, Pietersen highlighted a technical adjustment in Gill’s batting that has made him more effective against fast bowlers.
“I talked about a trigger when you get into big boys’ cricket and you face the faster bowlers. You need a setup, and it’s something he’s started to take when he’s been batting. I think it has improved the way he plays,” Pietersen remarked.
The former England captain also pointed out Gill’s growing ability to handle different lengths, making life tougher for opposition bowlers.
“What makes him even more intimidating to bowl to is his ability to play that pickup shot, that little punch off the back foot. A bowler can’t just hover short of a length against him anymore. He has to either attack the top of the stumps or bowl a very good bouncer,” he explained.
Pietersen further emphasised that Gill, despite his recent scores, would not be satisfied with just fifties.
“He’ll want to keep improving, he’ll want to stop getting 60 and getting out. He’ll want to get the 100 like Rohit,” he added.
With one ODI remaining in the series, Gill will look to capitalise on his form and push for a big score.