IND Vs SA: Why Will Shubman Gill Face Backlash For His Purple Patch? Zaheer Khan Explains
Updated - 04 Jan 2024, 04:20 PM
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Former pacer Zaheer Khan who accounts as the 4th highest wicket taker for India in tests at South Africa, explained that number 4 batter Shubman Gill will become a subject of constant criticism if he doesn’t come out of his purple patch which has seen him get out cheaply in the on-going Test series at the Rainbow nation.
Shubman Gill after scoring just 28 runs across both innings in Centurion, failed to make an impact with the bat during India’s 1st innings. The visitors were actually supposed to build on the start provided by their bowling line up led by Mohammed Siraj who claimed career best figures of 6/15 as the Proteas got bundled out after putting 55 runs on the board.
Siraj took wickets of Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Tony De Zorzi, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen while Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar scalped a brace each. None of the South African or Indian fans present inside the Newlands Cricket Ground would have expected to see such a thing, especially after the home team’s batting performance in the 1st test.
As the bowlers carried out a wonderful job in the 1st session, onus was on the batting line-up to further increase their grip on the match. However, they did not get off to the best of starts as Yashasvi Jaiswal departed for a duck with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill trying to put together a partnership.
The Indian captain was looking in great touch and so was Gill, but Nandre Burger sent him off for 39 and soon Gill too departed after amassing 36. What happened afterwards was sheer drama as Virat Kohli and KL Rahul got out for 46 and 8 while Iyer, Jadeja and the tailenders, all departed for a duck.
It was a very difficult day out with the bat for both teams as the bowlers ruled on a sunny and warm day in Cape Town.
Zaheer Khan Believes Shubman Gill Should Not Get Out After Good Starts
While speaking to Cricbuzz at the end of day 1, Zaheer Khan who notched 30 wickets in 8 tests at South Africa, said that Shubman Gill definitely has age and talent by his side but believes that if he remains out of form for a prolonged period of time and doesn’t capitalize on the starts he gets, criticism will keep coming towards him.
He also mentioned that it specially important for him because he showed his raw talent and form last year when he scored 2154 runs in 48 matches across all formats at an average of 46.82 along with 7 Centuries and 10 half-centuries. Zaheen Khan also claimed that his performances in 2023 have set up a different level of expectations from him and when he doesn’t build on the starts he gets, it will get even more difficult for Shubman Gill.
Delightful shot! ?@ShubmanGill creams one through covers for his third boundary!#TeamIndia motoring on!
Tune in to #SAvIND 2nd Test
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/xpBb04UKDF— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 3, 2024
“But if you’re not scoring runs and have a patchy run of form then criticism will go on till the time you’re playing. Due to the expectations, who have to play with that pressure. But if you lose your wicket after getting off to a good start, then that’s concerning. But if you get dismissed early, then one shouldn’t think too much.” – Zaheer said.
Can Shubman Gill Capitalize On Day 2 If South Africa Sets Up A Difficult Target?
After India folded out for 153, their bowlers racked up 3 back to back wickets of South Africa by the last session of the day. Elgar, De Zorzi and Stubbs are already in the dressing room with Aiden Markram looking to keep his start intact from yesterday to try and post at least 200 as the target.
If that happens, then it will be a good opportunity for Shubman Gill to prove himself by at least scoring a 50 in tough batting conditions.
Also Read: AUS vs PAK: Watch- Alex Carey Takes Charge Of Commentary Duties During Third Test Against Pakistan
