Arguably the greatest batter to have played the game of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar's batting was pure magic and everything seemed like poetry in motion. Just like his batting, what has also been folklore over the years is regarding his insights about players, pitches or anything even remotely related to the sport. When it comes to technicality, Sachin's analysis is just as precise as his batting used to be - smooth as butter.
So, what did the legend think about Shubman Gill's batting in the recent England-India Test series? For starters, the India Test captain shattered a plethora of records in the five-match series and also ended up as the top run-getter from either side with 754 runs to his name, including four centuries. It was a drastic redemption arc for Gill whose stats in the longest format were a mixed bag before this series and Tendulkar noted some subtle factors behind the success.
"His thought process was good and that reflected in his footwork as well," said Tendulkar to ICC's official website.
"His footwork was precise and he respected a good ball, his front foot defence was solid as well"
Whether his batting rubbed off on his captaincy or vice-versa, we don't know but Tendulkar felt that it was too early to judge Gill's leadership. The veteran also opined that captaincy is over-analysed at times, especially in the longest format of the game. While there is always room for improvement, Tendulkar stated that Gill did a decent job in his first series as Test captain.
"Captaincy I feel it has a lot to do with how bowlers are bowling, how disciplined they are and how much they stick to the plan even if things don't go according to your plan sometimes. Since it is important to not get tensed and change your plans completely.
"Against England it is important to dry runs, almost play boring cricket, I felt he controlled the team well against probably the most attacking batting side in Test cricket currently."
Tendulkar had praised Rishabh Pant who had a riveting series not just with his batting but also the injuries that he suffered on the field. A thumb injury at Lord's proved a crucial factor behind India's loss in the game while the left-hander suffered a toe fracture in the Old Trafford Test match and eventually forced him to miss The Oval Test. However, Pant showed remarkable character to bat despite these injuries in those games and Tendulkar felt that southpaw has proven himself enough to be judged for his style of play.
"I have enjoyed his batting a lot, especially his reverse scoops. He gets under the ball and has the planned fall to get the length right for those reverse sweeps.
"If you see the opposition, only in the first few minutes they are looking to get him out, after that are just looking to dry runs against him.
"I feel players like Rishabh should be left alone, he has a gameplan, executes it brilliantly and most importantly was there when the team needed him despite injury. He knows how to attract eyeballs."
