Shubman Gill is struggling with straight deliveries, and he needs to work on his footwork to solve the shortcoming, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar said. Gill, who is India’s vice-captain in T20Is, has scored 291 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 137.3, and Bangar highlighted that the scoring rate of the opener decreases on deliveries that are pitched on a straight line.

“He had a very positive footwork in the beginning. However, the issue has been with straight deliveries in the last 28 games. His strike rate takes a hit on straight deliveries,” Bangar said, suggesting the batter improve his footwork to solve his weakness.

“His strike rate is impressive outside the off-stump, but there have been edges as well. He has scored runs, but the straight deliveries are giving him some trouble. In the second T20I against South Africa, the delivery on which he was dismissed was a good ball. It could have sent back any batter. His footwork has improved, and if he is clear in his mind, he will be able to play his shots with ease, like a few boundaries we have seen,” he added.

Banglar also lauded Abhishek Sharma for his aggressive batting, particularly his ability to hit sixes in the cover region. “Abhishek has been impressive, and his attacking mindset is key. He can hit big sixes in the cover region, which is something special about him,” he mentioned.

Bangar also spoke about the contributions made by all-rounder Hardik Pandya. As a batter, Hardik has been consistent, and with the ball, he regularly takes wickets. “Pandya provides Team India with a balance,” he concluded.

India are leading the five-match T20I series against South Africa by a margin of 2-1, with one game left. The final contest will be played on December 19.