IPL 2020: Where should Shubman Gill bat for KKR?
Since its inception, the IPL has given birth to several world-class talents. The high-octane league always brings the best out of players. Many have even knocked on the national team’s door on the back of their IPL performances. One of them is Kolkata Knight Riders’ youngster Shubman Gill. The youngster has been touted as India’s future mainstay at the biggest level.
20-year-old Shubman has already gained accolades for his vital contributions in India U19’s triumph in the 2018 World Cup. Donning the KKR jersey in the last two IPL seasons, he has scored 499 runs in 27 matches with 4 fifties. With his talent and batting technique, the franchise will aim to utilize Gill in the most suitable way this year.
The strategy in IPL 2020
KKR might be stacked with in-form batsmen like Tom Banton, Eoin Morgan and Sunil Narine at the top. But Gill’s presence will be vital in their title heist. After parting ways with Chris Lynn in the 2020 auction, KKR could try slotting Shubman at the opening spot. Narine, through his impressive pinch-hitting, has certainly benefitted KKR over the years.
However, the Kolkata franchise can try shuffling the opening combination. Banton-Gill or Narine-Gill can be assigned opening duties, followed by Morgan, skipper Dinesh Karthik and Nitish Rana in the middle-order. Gill will also have an added responsibility after the departure of another KKR batsman, Robin Uthappa. Head coach Brendon McCullum had also said that he is aiming to give Gill some more responsibility this time.
How did Gill fare in 2019?
In the last season, Gill batted way lower down the order. The move attracted much criticism from the fraternity. With the West Indies giant Andre Russell at the end to finish things off, Shubman could be easily promoted up top either with Banton or Narine. If not the opening slot, Gill could be given the No.3 position where he batted in the 2018 U19 World Cup. Playing an important role in India’s victorious campaign, he was even adjudged Player of the Tournament. He also finished as the leading run-scorer for India with 372 runs.
Gill, along with other KKR stalwarts, has already started training in UAE before the extravaganza unfolds from September 19th. KKR will be hunting their third IPL title this season and there’s a strong possibility of McCullum tweaking the batting position of Gill. By taking guard in the Powerplay, the youngster will surely play his game in a more candid way. Along with giving Gill the batting responsibility, KKR will also aim to flourish him as their next leader after Karthik’s departure.
