January 26, 2025: Shubman Gill has been quite open about the challenges he faces in Test cricket, particularly the mental aspect of his game. After his return to the Ranji Trophy, where he scored a well-made 102, Gill reflected on how the pressure to convert good starts into big scores sometimes causes him to lose his focus and concentration. This has been a recurring issue for the stylish batter, especially in the longest format of the game.
Gill admitted that he tends to put too much pressure on himself after getting off to a good start, which sometimes leads to a loss of concentration. He pointed out that he feels that pressure more when batting in red-ball cricket, where he has often managed to score decent starts (25-30 runs) but failed to convert them into substantial innings. He highlighted that this is not the approach he’s accustomed to, having always focused on staying in the zone and playing with intent.
His inability to consistently convert starts into big scores has been a point of concern throughout his career, especially in Test matches. Despite showing glimpses of his talent, his overall Test average of 35.05 (after 32 Tests and 59 innings) reflects a struggle to turn those starts into match-winning contributions. While he has five centuries to his name, his conversion rate from 20s and 30s into big hundreds remains a weakness.
Moreover, his performances in overseas conditions—particularly in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia)—have been disappointing. Gill’s average of just 17.00 in SENA countries, with a best score of 36, further points to his struggles outside Asia, where he has yet to replicate his home form. At home, however, Gill has fared significantly better, with an average of 42.03, including four centuries.
His self-reflection on the mental side of the game reveals his maturity and understanding of the pressures that come with international cricket. Going forward, Gill will need to work on maintaining his focus and dealing with the pressure to convert starts into big innings, particularly in challenging overseas conditions, to cement his place as a mainstay in India’s Test batting lineup.