Rahul Dravid gave Shubman Gill ultimatum before 2nd Test vs England in Vizag - Reports
Published - 04 Feb 2024, 06:04 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:26 AM
The Indian team management reportedly issued an ultimatum to Shubman Gill before the start of the second Test match against England. Shubman Gill was informed that the Visakhapatnam Test would be his final opportunity to secure his spot in India’s Test team.
Shubman Gill managed to score just 23 runs in India’s first innings during the series opener in Hyderabad. The right-handed batter registered a two-ball duck in the subsequent innings. The home team lost the first match by 29 runs despite taking a 190-run lead.
I Will Go And Play Ranji Trophy Match – Shubman Gill
According to The Indian Express report, discussions were held regarding the possibility of Shubman Gill being sent to domestic cricket to address his shortcomings during the week’s gap between the second and third Tests of the ongoing five-match red ball series.
Shubman Gill also expressed his willingness to participate in the Ranji Trophy match between Punjab and Gujarat in Mohali scheduled from February 9. The report added that Gill informed one of his family members about taking part in the domestic fixture.
“I will go and play the Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat in Mohali,” he told one of his family members, as quoted by The Indian Express.
Shubman Gill silenced his critics with a brilliant century in the second innings of the match. The 24-year-old scored 104 runs off 147 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes. He played a crucial role in extending the team’s lead despite wickets falling from the other end.
Shubman Gill Have Given The Cushion – Anil Kumble
Former India captain Anil Kumble criticized the team management for providing a ‘cushion’ to Shubman Gill. Kumble expressed his preference for Cheteshwar Pujara at No. 3, highlighting Pujara’s experience in that crucial batting position for India.
“He (Gill) has been given the cushion perhaps even Cheteshwar Pujara didn’t get, although he (Pujara) has played over 100 Tests. I keep coming back to him (Pujara) mainly because that was his place (No 3) not too long ago. Pujara played in that World Test Championship final and post that, it’s been Shubman Gill, who’s been moving from the opener’s slot, and he wanted to bat at No. 3,” Kumble said after India lost the opening Test.
Shubman Gill capitalized on fortunate escapes early in his innings, facing several close calls in the first ten balls. The faint inside edge saved him against Tom Hartley. Gill, initially reluctant to use the DRS, was pleasantly surprised when the decision was overturned.
The young batter survived another close call when an umpire’s call decision favored him against James Anderson, who has dismissed Gill five times in eight innings. He had a fortunate escape on 21 as the edge flew between Ben Foakes and Ben Stokes off Tom Hartley’s delivery.
Gill made the most of the opportunities and converted his start into a big score in the match. He might have sealed his place in the playing XI for the third Test, which is scheduled to be played in Rajkot, starting on Feb 15.
