With 339 runs to his credit so far, he is the top run-getter for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
In an interview with TOI, Gill opens up about various aspects of his game.
Extracts…
We see a lot of power in the T20 cricket but you rely heavily on timing. What’s the thinking behind it?
I think it’s important to realize what your game is and realize that I can further hit the ball with timing rather than power. This is something every hitter should be able to accomplish (on their game). That’s why I focus more on timing than power.
Mark all the way around the ground without trying too hard on the scoop or backhand. Sometimes there are imaginative shots. How do you find balance?
I think it’s about knowing when to play the right shots. Sometimes I play the weird one like reverse sweep or return stroke, but that’s only when I think the bowler is going to bowl me in a certain area. That’s when I know for sure that I can’t hit the ball on the ground.
You never seem rushed in T20 cricket – what’s the thinking behind it?
It’s just one of those things: interpreting the situation. Everyone says there’s a lot more time in T20 than you think. Whenever you feel rushed, you have to look at the board and believe in yourself that you are the best man to get the job done for the team.
The year 2022-23 has been a watershed year for you. How do you look back on this year?
I think it was a great quarter for me. All the hard work and patience I had in 2022 or 2021 is coming through this year and I am looking forward to all the great things and tournaments ahead of me.
In all of this, how are you also preparing for the WTC Final?
I think we will have about 10 days before playing the final. It will be enough to prepare us for that important match. For me it is more mental rather than technical or physical.
What is it like working with the Gujarat Titans support staff – skipper Hardik Pandya, head coach Ashish Nehra and mentor Gary Kirsten? How were your interactions with them?
I think the interactions have always been honest and direct. I think he is the best thing about our team. There are no behind-the-scenes talks or intermediaries.
The Titans are at the top of the leaderboard. How do you view this situation as all teams aim for the IPL playoffs?
I think this is the time to be ruthless and nail and be so far ahead in the competition that it will be difficult for other teams to try and catch up with us. We are definitely trying to be in the top two and hopefully continue to be at the top of the table.
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