Less than two months ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, Shubman Gill was left out of India’s squad. Named vice-captain for the Asia Cup, the batter had not delivered expected results, leading selectors to make a difficult choice. Seen as a future leader across formats, Gill reached a key turning point last December. After a strong series in England, taking over as ODI captain from Rohit Sharma, and moving close to T20I captaincy, he was suddenly removed from the World Cup group.
Gill accepted the decision without complaint, finished his other duties, and brought his training group together in Mohali. Through cold winter days, working with assistant bowlers, he focused on improving his white-ball batting. Known for high-volume practice, he studied recordings of his T20 innings and saw the need to add more power and options in the area from deep cover to mid-wicket.
Set on making changes, Gill used a thinner training bat for long sessions to improve timing and control while keeping good technique. Before, he had often tried to strike the ball too forcefully. Even in the prior IPL, where he made 650 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 155.88, he missed the precision he sought in that zone. At times the bat face closed early on shots over long-off and long-on, reducing height and distance.
Once the issue was clear, he acted on it. Every session included hundreds of deliveries with the training bat, and this method has continued into the present IPL. Gill often warms up with it before power-hitting work. Cases of the bat twisting or the face closing have dropped, so he holds his finish more often and makes stronger contact.
Shots played straight now produce a clean sound, and better control has made his batting stand out this season. It ranks as his strongest IPL for strike rate and six-hitting, yet he has kept his core technique intact. He rarely uses ramps or scoops, preferring standard strokes with greater reach.
Against spinners he has played sweeps in varied ways but without planning ahead, keeping his smooth style. The figures support this progress. In IPL 2026, across 13 matches, he has scored 616 runs at a strike rate of 161.68, his highest in the event.
Like his simple approach to daily life, Gill keeps his batting direct. The winter work in Mohali not only rebuilt his T20 game but also gave him time to rest after busy months. Familiar meals near the nets recalled earlier days while preparing him for stronger performances ahead.
