Former India player Mohammad Kaif wants Shubman Gill to play cautiously at the start of his innings in India’s upcoming match against Bangladesh in the ongoing mega event, saying that his opening partner Rohit Sharma is usually aggressive in the initial overs as well. The Indian team will play against Bangladesh in Pune on Thursday, October 19. Gill, who missed India’s first two matches of the tournament due to dengue, played a few beautiful shots in their last match against Pakistan but lost his wicket after scoring 16 runs off 11 deliveries as well.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Kaif said: “I want him to spend a little time. Rohit Sharma plays fast in any case. So you can give yourself a little time because you haven’t played continuous matches in the World Cup. So give yourself five to ten balls and then you can attack. I feel he will have to defend at the start. He is practicing defense there, which is good. You need to come in line and give respect to the balls. You can do that at the start.”

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However, Shubman Gill has been in sublime form this year and smashed 1246 runs which came at an excellent average of 69.22 and an impressive strike rate of 105.41 in 21 innings as well. Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif also believes Gill was overly aggressive at the start of his innings against Pakistan as well.

“The last match he played, he hit a four off the first ball, kept playing shots, and got out at point. I can understand that he is an extremely attacking batter but because you are coming back after so many days and you need a little feel in the World Cup, score 50-60 and get your form, and then you can play your aggressive game. Shubman Gill will have to do that in the next match. He plays spin well and he will get a lot of spinners – Shakib (Al Hasan) and (Mehidy Hasan) Miraz will be there. He knows how to play spin and plays well against fast bowling as well,” Mohammad Kaif concluded.