NEW DELHI: Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has backed India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill to rediscover his rhythm, calling him a “ridiculously talented player” capable of adapting to any format despite his recent dip in form.

Gill, who led India in the two-Test home series against the West Indies last month, began on a positive note with a gritty 50 on a lively Ahmedabad pitch before finishing the series with an elegant unbeaten 129 in Delhi.

4th T20I: Pressure Mounts on Shubman Gill as India aim to go 2-1 up against Australia

However, the transition from red-ball to white-ball cricket in quick succession appeared to take a toll. With just over a week to adjust to Australian conditions, Gill struggled to find fluency during the ODI leg, managing only 43 runs in three matches at an average of 14.33. Promoted to open the innings, he registered scores of 10, 9, and 24 as India went down 2-1 in the series.

Despite Gill’s recent struggles, Watson voiced strong faith in his talent, saying it’s only a matter of time before the young opener regains form.

“It definitely is a challenge, and the more you do it, the better you get at really understanding the little adjustments that you have to make to your technique, to your game plan, your mindset around each format to be able to then get into the best version of you every time you have to make that adjustment,” Watson said while speaking to reporters.

Following an underwhelming stint in his first ODI series as captain, Gill found himself confronting a familiar test – adjusting quickly to a new format. With only a brief turnaround before the T20Is, he struggled to find rhythm in the high-tempo contests, managing just 57 runs across the first three games.

Despite the lean patch, Watson backed the India vice-captain to rediscover his touch, expressing confidence that Gill would soon crack the code and return to his prolific best.

“It does take time, and it’s through trial and error that you really realize exactly what you need to do to make those adjustments, and playing in different conditions as well. Shubman Gill is a ridiculously talented batter. He’s got an amazing technique,” Watson said.

“It’s not going to take him long at all to be able to really navigate his way through the different formats because when someone is as highly skilled as he is, it’s not going to take him too long,” Watson added.