Asia Cup 2023: Shubman Gill needs to work on his intent: Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels Shubman Gill needs to work on his intent ahead of the high-octane Super Fours clash against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Gill had trudged to 10 runs off just 32 balls in the group stage match against Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup before he was cleaned up by Haris Rauf.

Gill was able to turn the tables against depleted Nepalese bowling attack as he scored a fine knock of 67 runs off just 62 balls in the second group stage match, which India won by 10 wickets via DLS method. The right-hander has been in terrific form in 2023 and he will look to provide a good start to the team along with Rohit Sharma against Pakistan.

In fact, Gill had taken a long time to even get off the mark against Pakistan in the opening game and he was kept in check by the opposition’s fast bowling line-up.

Mohammad Kaif said on Star Sports, “Gill showed no intent in that game (Pakistan). He had faced about 19-20 deliveries (32), and the only boundary he got was down the leg side. So he definitely needs to work on his intent.

“When the ball swings at pace, you need to get into positions quickly, and that is something that Gill will need to do in the indoor nets.”

India was forced to practice indoors due to rain in Colombo and Kaif reckons Gill can make most of the session with side-arm throwers, who can get the ball to move back into him, in order to prepare for Shaheen Shah Afridi.

“The side-arm throwers generally try to shape the ball into the batters, and that is something that will certainly help Gill. If you see his dismissal (against Pakistan), he couldn’t bring his bat down in time and his stumps were rattled.

“So this left-arm side-arm thrower will definitely test his bat speed, and that’s something that will help him while facing Shaheen Afridi.”

India will take on Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday.