Ponting Reflects on Shubman Gill's Overseas Challenges

Ricky Ponting, ICC Hall of Famer, has analysed Shubman Gill's struggles to replicate his impressive home performances in overseas conditions. Despite being one of India's brightest batting talents, Gill's record abroad remains inconsistent. 

Ponting, speaking on *The ICC Review*, highlighted the potential for improvement with small adjustments to Gill's approach, particularly in Australia. Praising the opener’s natural talent, Ponting noted, "He looks as good as anyone in world cricket when he's batting well." However, the statistics tell a different story. 

Since his memorable 91 at the Gabba in 2021, which helped India secure a historic series win, Gill has managed just one overseas Test century, in Bangladesh in 2022. His away average stands at 23.8 across nine Tests, compared to a robust 42.03 at home, where he has scored four centuries in 17 Tests. 

Ponting suggested that Gill might be overthinking his game, citing his adjustments during the Adelaide Test against Scott Boland, where frequent changes in guard and stance made him vulnerable. "He changed his guard, moved across to off-stump, and presented his front pad, leading to his dismissal," Ponting observed. 

Rather than overhauling his technique, Ponting advised Gill to trust his instincts and adopt a confident, attacking mindset. "If he backs his defensive game and focuses on scoring runs instead of avoiding dismissal, his fortunes could improve," Ponting suggested. 

India faces a critical match in the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at Melbourne on Boxing Day, aiming to stay in contention for the ICC World Test Championship Final.