"It will be difficult" - Former India coach on Shubman Gill switching formats heading into IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former India coach Abhishek Nayar has opined that it would not be easy for Shubman Gill to switch formats heading into the first Test against South Africa. He highlighted that the Indian captain's workload might also have to be managed as he has been playing continuously.

Gill will lead India in the two-match Test series against South Africa, with the first game starting in Kolkata on Friday, November 14. He played all eight games in the Men in Blue's recently concluded white-ball tour of Australia.

During an interaction on the Star Sports show 'Game Plan,' Nayar was asked about Gill needing to alter his game due to frequent format switches.

"It's not easy. No matter how much we discuss, for any player, when you play a format for a long time, it becomes easy for you as you get used to it. When you switch between formats, at times you think about increasing your strike rate. When you come here, you will have to bring your strike rate down. You have to take your time," the former India all-rounder responded.

"Workload management is a thing that has been sidelined for Shubman Gill for now because he is playing cricket continuously. He will not complain. It remains to be seen what his mentality will be. He will once again be in the leadership role. According to me, it will be difficult," he added.

However, Abhishek Nayar noted that if Shubman Gill has a point to prove to himself, it's that he can become a three-format player. He added that to do so, the stylish batter needs to consistently score runs in all three formats.

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"I remember going into the England series, so many questions" - Abhishek Nayar on captaincy not impacting Shubman Gill's batting adversely

Shubman Gill amassed 754 runs at an average of 75.40 in 10 innings in the Test series against England. [P/C: Getty]

On 'Game Plan,' Nayar was asked about captaincy not impacting Shubman Gill's batting adversely.

"He has been phenomenal. I remember going into the England series, so many questions. I remember watching on TV, and from the first game to the last game, you not only saw Shubman the batter evolve, but you also saw Shubman the leader evolve," he replied.

While acknowledging that the South African attack would challenge Gill, the cricketer-turned-commentator expressed hope that the 26-year-old would continue to excel at No. 4, much like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

"It's good times ahead for him. It's going to be a good challenge against a good bowling attack, but No. 4 is something that's suited him, and every guy who walks around with that MRF bat at No. 4 always does the job," Nayar observed.

Abhishek Nayar highlighted that Shubman Gill has made a couple of changes in his technique. He pointed out that the Indian skipper is trying to get his front foot outside the line of the off-stump to avoid getting trapped lbw and is no longer getting his bat from third or fourth slip while playing on the leg side.