IND vs WI: Why Shubman Gill Chose No.3 Batting Position? Wasim Jaffer Reveals Reasons

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has revealed some possible reasons why Shubman Gill chose the No. 3 batting position in the recent IND vs WI Test series. Shubman Gill, who usually plays as an opener in all formats, grabbed the one-down batting slot to make way for debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top.

However, Gill largely failed to make an impact with his batting. He scored 45 runs across 3 innings at an average of 22.50. The right-handed batsman got out for just 6 runs in the 1st Test. In the 2nd Test too, he got out for just 10 runs in the 1st innings. He arrived with a better show in 2nd innings, smacking unbeaten 29 runs.

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Not Surprised By Shubman Gill Taking No.3 Batting Slot: Wasim Jaffer

Speaking on Jio Cinema, former India batter Wasim Jaffer revealed possible reasons why Shubman Gill chose the no.3 batting position in IND vs WI Test series. According to Jaffer, Gill played at no.3 or no.4 position in Under-19 World Cup.

“He is a good player. A player like him can play anywhere from No. 1 to No. 5. Shubman Gill has a game like that. He would have thought something before doing that. I remember he was playing at No. 3 or No. 4 in the Under-19 World Cup as well. However, we have consistently seen him open”, the Ranji Trophy legend said.

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Wasim Jaffer is also not surprised by Gill’s decision of taking the No. 3 spot in the series. Jaffer said that openers like to bat a little lower after fielding for 150 overs in Test matches. He also feels that understanding the pitch can be another reason that triggered Gill’s decision.

“I am not surprised about his decision to choose No. 3. We openers had a problem sometimes when we fielded for 150 overs and had to go and face the new ball within 10 minutes. So No. 3 gives you a little cushion. You get to see the bowling and the pitch. Maybe that could be one of the reasons”, Jaffer further said.

Shubman Gill was picked as an opener in Tests during India vs Australia Test series in February-March this year. After KL Rahul failed to score runs in the opening two games against Australia, Shubman Gill opened the innings in the next two games. The 23-year-old also shattered a ton in one game.

Also Read: IND vs WI: Dinesh Karthik Makes Huge Claim About Shubman Gill As He Faces Criticism For Poor Form

Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal impressed with his blistering batting show in IND vs WI Test series. In his debut game in the 1st Test, the left-hander shattered 171 runs to win the Player of the Match award.

In the 2nd Test, the Rajasthan Royals opener slammed 57 and 38 in both innings. With 266 runs, Jaiswal finished as the highest run-getter in IND vs WI Test series.