WTC Final: Intent to score runs should never go on backseat – Shubman Gill

India’s opening batsman Shubman Gill feels it is crucial for the batsman to be aggressive in his batting approach and the intent to score runs should never go on the backseat.

It is said by the cricket pundits that the opening batsman should get their eye in while playing in the English conditions and play the initial overs out before catapulting their attack.

However, as a modern-day batsman Gill feels if a batsman scores freely, then the opposition also gets under the pump and can make mistakes. Gill has a strike rate of 58.7 in Test cricket and he had played aggressively against Australia in his maiden Test series.

The youngster has played in England for Under-19 and India-A team and he feels he will put his learnings to good use in the upcoming World Test Championship final against the Kiwis.

“When I toured with India A and we came for the under-19 as well, when you come first to England everybody tells you that you need to play a certain number of balls if you want to score runs. But what I felt was that your intent to score runs should never go on the back seat,” Gill said while talking to Star Sports Cricket Connected.

“If you are looking to score runs, that’s when the bowler also tends to go on the back foot and you are able to put some pressure on the bowler,” he added.

Gill added that it will be the biggest match of his life and he will look to give his best. The youngster is expected to open the innings with veteran batsman Rohit Sharma.

“For me, it will be the biggest match of my life, to be honest. Because this is the first time something like the World Test Championship is happening. And for me, it will be a very big stage. I am very excited and really looking forward to play this match.”

Gill opined that he has prepared well for the WTC final and is confident of doing well against the Kiwis.

“Before coming here, I practiced with a taped ball. It swings a lot in the air just like it does in England. In England, it swings in the air and seams after pitching as well. So, I was practicing for that before coming here,” Gill added.