India wait for Shubman to sort out scoring issues in away Tests

The No.3 batter has a range of shots, but hasn't shown patience early on and has struggled on this tour of Australia

- ASHISH MAGOTRA

MELBOURNE: There's something magical about the sound of the ball hitting Shubman Gill's bat. When in form, his timing makes every shot feel just right. And we have seen that version of the batter in ODIs so often. He averages 58.20 in 47 ODIs, leaving no doubt about his class.

But the numbers have proved to be difficult to replicate in Test cricket. In fact, he hasn't even come close. An average of 35.76 in 31 Tests is poor for a batter of his class and these numbers drop to 29.57 when he tours the SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia). He has looked good in the middle but then, inexplicably, he loses his concentration and falls.

Gill's highest score in his last seven away Tests is 36—a sign that he often gets starts but then gives it away. And this hurts India because he asked for and got the No.3 slot in the batting order.

Traditionally, the one-drop batter is the one who sets the tone for the innings. You may have your own way of doing it—like Ricky Ponting, you may counterattack, or like Rahul Dravid you could show that you are in for the long haul.

Approach issues

The problem with Gill is that he isn't quite sure what he wants to be; how he wants to approach his innings. And that is why he is often caught in two minds.