'Yes, I've not been up to my own expectations' - Shubman Gill gives honest take on Test performances

Shubman Gill has become one of India's batting mainstays in ODI cricket but his performances in the longest and shortest formats of the game have not done justice to his potential as yet. While acknowledging his shortcomings in Test cricket, the Punjab batter is hopeful of turning things around during the 10 Test matches India play in the next few months.

Gill did not have a great start to the five-match Test series against England earlier this year but he managed to bounce back strongly and finish as the second-highest run-getter, aggregating 452 runs from five games. The right-handed batter is eager to do well in India's upcoming red-ball assignments against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia. 

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"Yes, I've not been up to my own expectations ([n Test cricket]. But we have ten Tests coming up together. Hopefully, after these ten Tests end, I'd be up to my expectations or more," Gill was quoted as saying by India Today on the eve of the Duleep Trophy first round matches.

Gill stated that he had worked hard on defending against the spinners and claimed that it was his main area of focus during the England series.

"I worked on my defence a little bit more especially against the spinners. Playing on turning tracks, you should be able to defend a lot more. Then you play scoring shots. With more T20 and playing on batting-friendly tracks in the white ball, I feel it takes away a little from your defensive game over a period of time. So that was my focus during the England series," he admitted.

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The 24-year-old has played 25 Tests so far for the Asian giants and has accumulated 1,492 runs at an average of 35.52. He has registered six half-centuries and four tons so far in his red-ball career for India. Gill is going to lead India A in the Duleep Trophy. They are set to open their campaign with a clash against India B on Thursday, September 5 in Bengaluru.