Badrinath Criticizes Gill: ‘Would Be Dropped if from Tamil Nadu’

Shubman Gill has been struggling in Test cricket recently, particularly during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The 25-year-old managed just 93 runs in five innings and missed the series opener in Perth due to an injury. He was also dropped in Melbourne as the team opted for three all-rounders—Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar…


Select India keeps Shubman Gill’s participation in the first Test against Australia on the table India keeps Shubman Gill’s participation in the first Test against Australia on the table

Shubman Gill has been struggling in Test cricket recently, particularly during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The 25-year-old managed just 93 runs in five innings and missed the series opener in Perth due to an injury. He was also dropped in Melbourne as the team opted for three all-rounders—Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Former Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath strongly criticized Gill’s performances, questioning his contributions in the longest format. Speaking on Star Sports Tamil, Badrinath highlighted Gill’s lack of intent and criticized his attitude both at the crease and in the field.

“For that level, he has not lived up to expectations,” Badrinath said. “You can score runs or not, but there should have been intent and aggression. I wanted him to tire out the bowlers, play 100 balls, and make the ball old to help his teammates. Labuschagne and McSweeney did that in the Adelaide Test, and it had a significant impact.”

Badrinath also pointed out instances where Gill threw away his wicket after getting set, such as dancing down the track to Nathan Lyon in the Sydney Test. “You must not say, ‘This is the way I play.’ Adapt to the situation and do what your team needs at the time,” he remarked.

Additionally, Badrinath alleged that Gill’s place in the team might have been treated differently if he hailed from Tamil Nadu. “If this was Shubman Gill from Tamil Nadu, he would have been dropped,” he claimed.

The former cricketer also criticized Gill’s fielding, noting his poor performances at slip and point. “What does he contribute to the team?” Badrinath asked.

Shubman Gill, who made his Test debut in December 2020, currently averages just over 35 in the format after 32 matches. Fans and experts alike will be looking for a stronger response from the young batter in the coming series.