Shubman Gill: How England tour tested and turned me into a run machine

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-08-12 11:46:24 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-12 20:19:55

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Despite the setbacks, Shubman Gill credits his maiden England tour for transforming him into a formidable run machine, stating that nothing else had previously challenged him so much.

The young opener, who has been in imperious form this IPL season, reflected on his time in England, where he amassed a total of 418 runs in seven innings at an impressive average of 47.55. Gill, who was part of the squad that endured a harrowing whitewash against the hosts in the five-match T20I series, claimed the experience forged his resilience and mental toughness.

"I would say it (the England tour) made me a better player. Nothing else has challenged me so much, at such a young age, and that sort of showed me the level I needed to reach," he told Wisden Cricket.

"I knew that I could bat and I had the shots, it was just about being consistent and having the patience to know that you can accelerate anytime you want to," he added.

The 22-year-old opener, who currently plies his trade for Punjab Kings in the IPL, went on to hammer three impressive half-centuries in the ODI series that followed, averaging over 40.

Reflecting on his performance, Gill, who was named "Emerging Player of the Year" by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2020, said he never questioned his ability and was confident of turning things around.

"Even when the tour didn't go too well, I never had any doubts over my ability," he said. "I knew I was batting well and doing all the right things to be able to perform."

"It's just that, sometimes, things don't go your way... (but) I was doing exactly what I had to do," he added.

Gill's sublime form this IPL season underscores his development and maturity as a batsman. With two hundreds and two fifties to his name so far, he is currently the second-highest scorer in the tournament with 387 runs at a strike rate of 138.

With the IPL continuing to produce scintillating cricketing talents, Gill's remarks demonstrate the tournament's capacity to offer a platform for development and growth.

As the young opener continues to impress on the grandest stage, his remarks should encourage budding cricketers to embrace challenges and persist through setbacks, assuredly reinforcing the old adage: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".

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