Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has heaped rich praise on India’s young captain Shubman Gill, acknowledging his technical mastery, adaptability, and temperament that make him one of the toughest batters to bowl to in contemporary cricket. In a recent interaction during a cricket podcast ahead of Australia’s upcoming England tour, Starc candidly remarked:
“I wouldn’t bowl to Shubman Gill in England. He is so organised, plays the ball late, and the way he countered movement the last time was just top class.”
Shubman Gill: Rising From Prodigy To Captaincy
At just 25 years of age, Gill has emerged as the face of India’s next-generation batting lineup, earning accolades not only for his stylish strokeplay but also for his composure under pressure. His elevation to captaincy in the absence of Rohit Sharma during the recent England Test series highlighted his growing stature within Indian cricket’s leadership group.
Why Starc’s Praise Matters
Mitchell Starc, known for dismantling top-order batters with his pace and swing, does not usually lavish praise on opponents without merit. His acknowledgement reflects:
- Gill’s Maturity Against The Moving Ball: England’s conditions remain the litmus test for any subcontinental batter. Gill’s performances in Nottingham and The Oval have shown his ability to leave balls judiciously and punish wayward lines.
- Adaptability To Conditions: His ability to adjust trigger movements and bat deep into innings is rare among young openers.
- Composure Against Express Pace: Starc’s comments came in context of Gill’s confident approach against bowlers exceeding 145 kmph, including Starc himself during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and World Test Championship Final.
Shubman Gill’s England Test Record So Far
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 50s | 100s | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 10 | 453 | 45.3 | 3 | 1 | 124 |
His maiden Test century in England at The Oval during India’s 2023 tour sealed his reputation as a technically correct opener who can adapt to seam, swing, and bounce with equal ease.
Starc On Gill’s Technique
Speaking about Gill’s technique, Starc highlighted:
“What impresses me is his still head. He doesn’t chase balls unnecessarily outside off stump. Even in Australian conditions, he was comfortable against pace and bounce, but in England, where you get lateral movement, his batting looks even more controlled.”
Reactions From Cricketing Fraternity
Ricky Ponting (Former Australia Captain)
“Gill has all the shots, but what sets him apart is his patience and decision-making. That’s a rare trait in modern aggressive batters.”
Rahul Dravid (India Head Coach)
“Shubman is evolving into a complete batter across formats. He understands when to accelerate and when to grind. As captain, he is also learning to take responsibility.”
Michael Vaughan (Former England Captain)
“He is India’s next big thing. If he continues this way, he will score over 10,000 runs in Test cricket alone.”
Shubman Gill: Career Progression Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Player of the Tournament, ICC U19 World Cup |
| 2019 | Test debut vs Australia (Sydney) |
| 2021 | Match-winning 91 at Gabba, India’s historic series win |
| 2023 | Double century in ODIs vs New Zealand, youngest Indian to achieve this |
| 2024 | Appointed stand-in Test captain vs England at home |
| 2025 | Appointed full-time vice captain; led India to Test win at Lord’s |
Gill’s Leadership Style
Analysts have noted that Gill’s captaincy mirrors his batting approach – calm, composed, and measured. Under his leadership:
- India won the 3rd Test against England at Lord’s by an innings.
- He rotated bowlers tactically, using Bumrah and Siraj in short sharp bursts.
- Promoted youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, instilling confidence in the new core.
Starc vs Gill: The Rivalry So Far
| Format | Balls Faced vs Starc | Runs Scored | Dismissals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 112 | 68 | 1 |
| ODIs | 48 | 42 | 1 |
| T20Is | 22 | 30 | 0 |
Gill has largely played Starc with confidence, often using late cuts and wristy flicks to neutralise his inswinging yorkers.
Upcoming Face-Off: India vs Australia
With India set to tour Australia later in 2025 for a five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Starc vs Gill battle will be pivotal. Starc will look to exploit Gill’s off-stump channel vulnerability, while Gill will aim to dominate with his improved back-foot play.
Expert Views On Gill’s Future
Sunil Gavaskar (Former India Captain):
“Shubman Gill has all the makings of a long-term captain. He is disciplined, calm, and hungry for runs – qualities every team needs at the top.”
Wasim Akram (Pakistan Great):
“Gill is pure class. Watching him cover drive fast bowlers reminds me of VVS Laxman’s timing combined with Dravid’s technique.”
Challenges Ahead For Gill
Despite his rapid rise, Gill faces critical areas for sustained dominance:
- Conversion Of Starts: While he scores attractive 40s and 50s, turning them into match-winning hundreds consistently will define his legacy.
- Captaincy Pressure: Balancing leadership duties and batting form is a skill he is still learning.
- Fitness Management: Openers face heavy workloads in all formats; injury prevention remains key.
Conclusion
Mitchell Starc’s glowing praise of Shubman Gill is a testament to the latter’s fast-growing reputation as a technically sound and mentally strong batter on the global stage. As India builds its next-generation leadership under him, Gill’s ability to inspire, adapt, and perform across conditions will shape India’s cricketing future in the years to come.
Disclaimer: This news content is based on player interviews, publicly available match data, and expert commentary. It does not constitute betting or gaming advice. Readers are encouraged to follow official updates and rely on certified sporting sources for fantasy or investment decisions.
