Shubman Gill is taking extra steps to prepare for India’s upcoming Test series in New Zealand. The India captain will take four to five personal net bowlers on the tour and pay all their expenses himself.
The BCCI usually arranges net bowlers for Indian players during overseas tours. However, Gill’s decision to bring his own group of bowlers to train exclusively with him is understood to be a first for an Indian cricketer.
Gill to Leave for New Zealand on October 23 or 24
A BCCI official told PTI that Gill is expected to leave for New Zealand on October 23 or 24. He will miss the India A Test matches against New Zealand A because of his ODI commitments.
Early departure will afford Gill additional time to acclimatize himself to the situation and improve his batting skills. These extra net practices will also aid him in preparing for the rigors of Test cricket in New Zealand.
Gill Looks to Continue His Strong Test Form
Gill had a memorable Test tour of England earlier this year, scoring 754 runs in five matches. He will now look to carry that form into New Zealand, where the conditions could make batting difficult.
The India captain recently missed Punjab’s opening Ranji Trophy match due to personal reasons. He is expected to return for their second game against Chhattisgarh, starting on October 18 in Mullanpur.
The Ranji Trophy game will provide Gill with some good red-ball practice before he leaves for his trip abroad. Having a tough Test series coming up, Gill will definitely be looking forward to going to New Zealand ready.
ALSO READ: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Replaces Injured Arshdeep Singh? India Update T20I Squad