Ravichandran Ashwin Breaks Down Shubman Gill's Dismissal Technique in ODI vs New Zealand
Ashwin explains how Gill's firm bottom-hand grip prevented last-minute adjustment in his 23-run dismissal by Kyle Jamieson, contrasting his successful England Test approach.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin offered a detailed technical analysis of Shubman Gill’s batting style following the Indian captain’s dismissal in the third and final ODI against New Zealand, which India lost by 41 runs on Sunday. The defeat also handed India a 1–2 series loss, marking their first-ever home ODI series defeat to New Zealand.
Chasing a challenging target of 338, India’s innings was anchored by Virat Kohli, who scored a fighting 124. However, the lack of support from the other end proved costly. Gill, who appeared fluent early in his knock, was bowled by New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson for 23, a dismissal that drew attention from former players and commentators.
During the broadcast, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticised Gill’s defensive technique, comparing it to his successful run during India’s tour of England. Gavaskar noted that when Gill amassed 754 runs in England, his bat and pad were positioned close together, making his defence compact and difficult to breach. He suggested that this technical solidity was missing in the dismissal against New Zealand.
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Responding to Gavaskar’s remarks, Ashwin took to social media platform X to explain the challenges faced by modern batters who frequently switch between red-ball and white-ball cricket. Ashwin highlighted how subtle technical adjustments often occur unconsciously, particularly in hand positioning and grip, as players adapt to different formats.
Ashwin explained that in Gill’s dismissal, the bottom hand—which is meant to allow flexibility and last-moment adjustments—remained too firm on the handle. This rigidity, he said, prevented Gill from closing the gap between bat and pad effectively. Ashwin added that Gill had successfully addressed this issue during his Test performances in England, underlining how format-specific demands can influence technique.
India will now look to regroup as they prepare to face New Zealand again in a five-match T20I series, which begins on Wednesday in Vidarbha, offering the team an immediate opportunity to bounce back from the ODI series setback.
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