‘We need to dominate them from start’ – Shubman Gill reveals India’s blueprint to counter Pakistan’s lethal pace trio

Shubman Gill and Shaheen Shah Afridi. (Photo Source: ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images and Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images)

Indian batting sensation Shubman Gill had a tough time facing the Pakistan seamers in the opening game in Asia Cup 2023 in Pallekele. The 24-year-old, who’s in the form of his life this year, could only score 10 (32) as he lost his stumps against Haris Rauf. Gill looked troubled by the trio of Shaheen Afridi (4/35), Naseem Shah (3/36) and Haris Rauf (3/58) as he failed to counter their excellent control on swing.

Speaking about the challenges posed by the Pakistan pace trio ahead of the upcoming fixture against the arch-rivals, Gill said that since they don’t face Pakistan attack that frequently they’re not used to facing them.

“When you are playing at this level, you play left-armer pacers previously at some point in your career. We do not play Pakistan that much as compared to the other sides. They have a quality bowling attack. When you do not face such a bowling attack frequently and are not used to it, it makes a difference,” Gill was quoted as saying by HindustanTimes.

Further speaking ahead, Gill credited all three Pakistan seamers for presenting different challenges to the batters.

We need to make a good start and dominate them from the beginning: Shubman Gill

“They are very different fast bowlers and they have their own specialities. Shaheen gets the ball to swing a lot. Naseem is all about pace and likes help from the wicket. They present different challenges in different conditions. As openers, we need to make a good start and dominate them from the beginning,” he added.

After failing to score against Pakistan, the Punjab-born batter played a brilliant innings of 67* (62) clobbering eight fours and a six in his innings. Courtesy of his knock, India chased down the DLS revised target of 145 in 20.1 overs and qualified for the Super 4 stage of the tournament. Gill will be desperate to make amends for his below-par outing as India once again lock horns with Pakistan on Sunday, September 10 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Also Check: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs India Live Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo