Manjrekar Criticizes Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma’s Approach Against Spin After Pune Loss
“Gill does not have the instinctive footwork needed for spin,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo, adding that he foresaw trouble for India when Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were at the crease.
Following India’s unexpected series loss to New Zealand, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar voiced concern over India’s current batting lineup and their struggle against spin on home turf. The team, exposed by spinners on a slow-turning pitch in Pune, faced their second consecutive defeat, ending a 12-year home series streak. Manjrekar highlighted that modern Indian batters lack the finesse against spin that legends like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman once exhibited.
Manjrekar specifically critiqued Shubman Gill’s performance, noting that the young batter looked uncomfortable facing New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner, who dismissed him twice in Pune. Manjrekar observed that Gill, despite his talent, seemed pressured against spinners, struggling to find his rhythm on turning tracks.
“Gill does not have the instinctive footwork needed for spin,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo, adding that he foresaw trouble for India when Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were at the crease.
The former cricketer also pointed out that senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma faltered against spin, with Kohli misjudging Santner’s length and Rohit appearing underconfident. "Top-order players seem short of confidence against spin, which is concerning,” Manjrekar added.
Manjrekar further commented on India’s inability to stabilize their innings, suggesting that frequent early dismissals prevented the lower-middle order, including Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, from mounting a comeback. He believes a stronger defensive approach at the start could have brought India closer to victory.
