Cheteshwar Pujara to replace Shubman Gill in the 3rd Test vs England? Ravi Shastri delivers a striking verdict

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri advised young batter Shubman Gill to elevate his performance to secure his place in the national team. Ravi Shastri stated that Cheteshwar Pujara could replace him in the team, given his consistent performances in domestic cricket.

Shubman Gill retained his place in the playing XI for the second Test, despite recent struggles in red-ball cricket. The right-handed batter got off to a promising start in India’s first innings, scoring 34 runs. However, Gill couldn’t convert his knock into a big score.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Gill added a 49-run partnership for the second wicket on the opening day of the second match. James Anderson consistently bowled outside the off-stump line, inducing Gill’s outside edge, and keeper Ben Foakes completed the catch with a dive.

Shubman Gill Has To Prove Himself – Ravi Shastri

While commentating on the match, Ravi Shastri emphasized the need for young players like Shubman Gill to seize their opportunities. Shastri stressed that Cheteshwar Pujara is on the radar, highlighting his consistent efforts in domestic cricket.

“It’s a fresh side, a young side. These youngsters have to prove themselves. Don’t forget, Pujara is waiting. He is grinding it out at the Ranji Trophy and is always in the radar,” Shastri said while commentating on the second Test.

Shubman Gill managed only 23 runs in the first innings of the series opener in Hyderabad. To compound his struggles, the 24-year-old batter recorded a duck in the second innings. The home team suffered a 28-run loss in the first match, giving England a 1-0 lead.

Star batter Virat Kohli chose to sit out the first two Tests due to personal reasons, while KL Rahul’s absence from the second Test was attributed to discomfort in his right quadriceps. Shubman Gill could be dropped once Kohli and Rahul return to the playing squad.

You’ve Got To Stay Out There – Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri emphasized the importance of patience in Test cricket, cautioning against seasoned bowlers like James Anderson. He also highlighted the significant value of Cheteshwar Pujara’s experience, particularly in home conditions.

“It’s a Test match; you’ve got to stay out there. Otherwise, you’ll get into all sorts of problems. You’re going with those hard hands, reaching out at the ball. Especially with someone of Anderson’s class,” Shastri added.

Gill replaced Cheteshwar Pujara in the No. 3 position in the India Test lineup during the West Indies series last year. However, he managed only 45 runs across the two matches in that series. He went on to score 74 runs across four innings against South Africa.

Pujara is actively playing in the Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra. He started the season with a double hundred against Jharkhand. He continued his batting form in subsequent matches. He has scored 538 runs in seven innings at an impressive average of 89.66 this season.

The 36-year-old represented India in 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 fifties. During the 2021-23 World Test Championship cycle, Pujara emerged as India’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 928 runs at an average of 32.

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