'He needs to work on...': Ravichandran Ashwin's verdict on Shubman Gill's batting approach ahead of South Africa Tests

Legendary India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin shared his take on Shubman Gill's workload and batting approach ahead of the two-match Test series against South Africa. Notably, Gill has been active in all the three formats for India as of recent. He is not only the captain in both Tests and ODIs, but is also Suryakumar Yadav's deputy when it comes to T20Is. He has been featuring constantly for the Men in Blue throughout the year and this has led to a lot of discussions regarding his workkload.

Ashwin on Gill's batting approach

Ashwin feels that it is slightly easy for Gill to play across all formats due to his style of batting, but added that shifting from limited-over formats to Tests is qu ite challenging. He further remarked that the 25-year-old needs to work on his defensive technique as he has to bat patiently in red-ball cricket in contrast to both ODIs and T20Is.

"It is slightly easier for Shubman Gill because he is playing all three formats. Obviously, in red-ball it will be challenging. The ball will move. You will have to give respect to the bowler. He needs to work on his defence. Understandable that to make a switch from T20 to Test cricket is not easy. But, having said that, to be in flow is much better than not being in the flow," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

ALSO READ: 'Would be surprised if it wasn't the plan...': Australia great feels England will use 'bodyline' tactic against Steve Smith in The Ashes

Ashwin then stated that Gill's batting approach makes it easier for him to perform in each of the three formats, adding that the batter is currently on a "purple patch".

"I think the batting form which Shubman Gill is in, it is easier for him (to play all three formats). He is on a purple patch, As a cricketer he would be itching to play," Ashwin stated.

Gill to captain India vs South Africa

Meanwhile, Gill will be leading Team India in the upcoming Test series against South Africa that will commence from November 14. The batter is in red-hot form in the format ever since the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England and will be looking to play many more big knocks when he comes up against the Proteas.

India's squad for South Africa Tests: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.