Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting feels that this is not going to be an easy job for Gill to do. It would be better for Gill to bat at No. 4 in the series against England in which India will play five Test matches, beginning on June 20. Ponting, while admiring Gill’s striking form in the white-ball format, was of the opinion that he still needs some work on the new Test batting style and captaincy.
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Gill, generally batting in the No. 3 position, may be in a better frame of mind if he is shielded from pressure in the upper order. Ponting says he personally supports India in making Gill the captain and claims that he indeed had made the recommendation last season during a Test match in Sydney. Although he does not regard himself as knowing Gill well, he has spoken to him and discussed matters in batting as well as leadership and is convinced that Gill should be able to shoulder the responsibility quite well.
Gill has, over his 32-Test career, displayed lots of talent but seems to suffer from defensive troubles when conditions are difficult. Ponting sees this as a question of focus rather than technicality and warned that Gill must be fully engaged in his innings if he is to avoid those lapses in concentration.
Looking at the team combination, he expects Gill to bat at No. 4 in the first Test as he feels that the side needs someone even more experienced at No. 3 and then, as Gill settles, he can move back up again.
