Not facing Pakistani bowlers enough makes difference at big events: Gill

COLOMBO: Shubman Gill, who found Pakistan’s pace trio too hot to handle during his painstaking 10 off 32 balls in the group league game, admitted that not facing the Shaheen Shah Afridis and Haris Raufs often, does make a “difference” during multi-nation events.

The Indian top-order batters have had issues with Afridi’s nip-backers and the awkward angles that he often creates and it has got to do with unfamiliarity even if you have watched thousands of his bowling videos.

“We don’t play against Pakistan as often as we do against some other teams. We all know that their bowling is quite good and when you don’t play against such teams often it makes a bit of difference in main tournaments,” Gill was frank in his admission that life has indeed been a bit difficult against the troika of speed merchants.

Gill said that he was also banking on the left-arm throw-down specialist Nuwan Seneviratne to dish out an improved show against Afridi, and in general against Pakistan quicks.

“Definitely (training has helped). He (Nuwan) has been travelling with us for the last 7-8 years. It is nice to have that variation. We have that right-arm specialist (Raghu), the side-arm specialist (Dayannd Garani) and the left-arm specialist. It does help in any conditions that you play,” added Gill.

Gill then explained why the Pakistan fast bowlers are making such an impact.

“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,” said Gill.

Gill said that Indian batters will have to dominate unlike last time when the top order was blown away for 66.

“As openers, we need to make a good start and dominate them from the beginning,” Gill said.

In that context, Gill said his partnership with captain Rohit Sharma could be crucial.

“He (Rohit) is someone who likes to take on the bowlers more aerially and I like playing along the ground in the power play. That combination works well for us.

We both are a bit different, how we go about our shots and tackle the situations. That makes it a bit difficult for opposition to contain us,” said Gill.

With his fast in-swinging deliveries, Afridi will be a big threat for India.

However, Gill denied that there was any extra pressure on the team just because it is playing Pakistan. “It was my first time against Pakistan in senior cricket (Asia Cup league match).

The pressure is slightly different (from other matches). But the pressure will be there no matter what game you play -- whether it is against Afghanistan, Netherlands or Pakistan,” he added.