Gujarat Titans batting coach Parthiv Patel recently commented on Shubman Gill‘s batting approach in India’s 9-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup 2025 on Wednesday September 10th. It was a one-sided clash, with India chasing down the modest 58-run target in just 4.3 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20 off 9 balls and struck a maximum and two fours during the knock. Parthiv Patel noted that the opening batter went for attacking shots right from the first ball. He pointed out that Gill doesn’t play in that fashion for GT in the Indian Premier League. The cricketer turned coach reckoned that the batting depth in India’s T20I side allowed the 26-year-old Gill to play fearlessly.
Parthiv Patel’s thoughts on Shubman Gill’s batting approach
Speaking on his You Tube channel, Parthiv Patel said: “Shubman Gill went for a drive on the first ball, and then hit a four on the next ball after stepping out of the crease. He also hit a six in the same over. We don’t see this approach when he plays for Gujarat Titans. He takes some time there, but here, India played with eight batters, and their approach is to play attacking cricket.”Â
It is worth noting that Gill is India’s vice-captain in the 2025 Asia Cup. The Men In Blue are currently placed at the top of the Group A points table after their win against the UAE. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav was adjudged the Player of the Match for his stunning spell of 4/7 in 2 overs.
Shubman Gill’s Aggressive Approach: A Need for India
Shubman Gill has always been known as a steady solid player and someone who goes after the bowling after getting his eyes in. We have seen that in IPL and for India in the past as well. But once, he was picked in this Indian side as vice-captain the template needed to change a bit. He could not afford to just take his time initially. ‘
India under Gautam Gambhir is playing a different brand of cricket from the word go as they are going after the bowling from the word go making full use of the powerplay. There is no let up even in the middle and death overs after that either. India before Gill had rejoined this squad had players all of whom were aggressors. So, once Gill came and took the opening position left vacant by Sanju Samson, he needed to change his game a little bit. Abhishek Sharma will be the aggressor with Gill expected to compliment him well.
The other thing will be to see the role of Gill in proper games and whether he will drop down gears if the situation demands. Gill has it in him to play as an anchor if the team is in deep waters and then be aggressive as well. His inclusion could be the result of wanting to have a steady batter at one end who can handle situation if things go south since all players around him are hitters and not steady players.
It remains to be seen under pressure how Gill performs and whether he keeps the same template going that he did against UAE. The Pakistan game will test his temperament and then assuming India reaches the Super 4 stage, he will get challenges from other oppositions teams from the other group. How he handles that and plays with the new approach that he showed glimpses about remains to be seen for all of us.
Shubman Gill will be ready for the next challenge and so will the rest of India. The stage is set for the next chapter of the India Pakistan rivalry as these two nations are set to clash on Sunday in Dubai. India might start the game as favourites, but Pakistan will be no pushovers and come hard at India. Hopefully, another epic game loading for all of us.
Also Read:Â Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan Aims To Get Off To A Winning Start Against Oman