"Wasn't Trying To...": Ex India Star Rips Into Shubman Gill After Hyderabad Test Loss

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has raised concerns over youngster Shubman Gill's batting approach in the first Test of a five-match series against England in Hyderabad. Gill scored just 23 runs across two innings in the first Test as England defeated India by 28 runs on Sunday, December 28. Chasing a target of 231, India were bowled out for 202 on an extended final session on Day 4. Patel criticised Gill's approach in Hyderabad, saying that he was not trying to play shots at all.

"The way Shubman Gill was batting, especially the approach we saw in the first innings, he wasn't trying to play shots at all. If you don't try to score runs, international-level bowlers won't give you too many loose deliveries," Patel said on Colors Cineplex.

Patel also pointed out a major technical flaw in Gill's batting, saying that the batter defends with hard hands. He also emphasised the importance of rotating strike, which Gill failed to do in both the innings.

"You will have to show your skills there. It's fine if you are not hitting fours, you need to rotate the strike at least. If we talk technically as well, he defends with extremely hard hands. He needs to see how he can work on that," he added.

England's attacking "Bazball" style of play trumped India at home in the first Test but pundits and cricketers on Monday said the hosts remain favourites in the five-match series.

Rohit Sharma's India lost the nail-biting opener by 28 runs in Hyderabad on Sunday on day four of the Test, after being ahead in the match for most of the opening three days.

England's fearless "Bazball" brand of play devised by coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes has brought the team 14 victories in 19 Tests.

"Bazball: Believe the hype", a