The Inside Story of Shubman Gill’s T20 Redemption: 1000 Balls with the Middle Bat and Unlocking the Traditional ‘V’

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill during IPL 2026. (AP Photo) New Delhi: Less than two months before the 2026 FIFA T20 World Cup, Shubman Gill has been dropped from the Indian squad. The right-handed batsman, who was promoted as vice-captain for the Asia Cup, failed to produce returns, prompting the think tank to take on a tough task. Gill, who was expected to lead India across formats, found himself at a delicate crossroads last December. The batsman who re-emerged during a dream summer in England, replacing Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain and closing in on Suryakumar Yadav’s T20I captaincy, was suddenly left out of the World Cup squad. Gill took up his beard, packed up his business commitments and assembled his crew in Mohali. In the winter cold, alongside armourers and trusted bowlers, he worked tirelessly on his white ball game. Known to rely heavily on volume in training, Gill spent hours analyzing videos of his T20 outings and realized he needed to unlock more range and power in the traditional V – from deep cover to mid-wicket.Determined to turn things around, Gill accepted the challenge. The middle bat became his best friend and he spent hours with it to find the sweet spot without losing shape. Previously, he often looked eager to hit the ball too hard. Even during the last season of the IPL – when he scored 650 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 155.88 – he lacked the control he wanted in the traditional V. At times the bat face closed slightly when hitting over long-off and long-on, costing him elevation and distance.Problem identified, challenge accepted. The plan was simple. Each innings involved hundreds of deliveries with the middle bat – a thinner version of the regular bat that improves control – and that routine has continued this IPL season. Gill is regularly seen warming up with his middle finger before each long shot. Significantly reduced instances of the bat rolling in his hands or pinching his face on impact. Now he holds his pose more often and finds meatier connections.There was a crisp sound whenever he drives straight and his improved handling has made him a cameraman’s delight this IPL season. It was his best season in terms of strikeouts and six strikeouts, but he never looked like threatening the solid foundation of his bat. There are almost no ramps, paddles or paddles – just textbook hitting with a wider range.

File photo of Shubman Gill in the networks. (Screenshot/X)

Against spinners, he used a variety of moves effectively but without premeditation, allowing him to maintain his elegance and grace. And the numbers don’t lie. In IPL 2026, he amassed 616 runs in 13 games at a strike rate of 161.68, his highest in the tournament.Like his approach to life, Gill keeps batting uncomplicated.

What aspect of Gill’s game improvement do you think is most impressive?

The hours he spent in Mohali with his crew not only helped him rediscover his T20 game but also gave him a chance to wind down after a frantic few months. Away from the limelight, home cooking behind the nets brought him back to simpler times – while also preparing him for better ones.