Watch- Shubman Gill's shadow batting video goes viral before stepping out to bat on Day 1 of Dharamsala Test

India’s number 3 Test batter Shubman Gill was seen doing shadow practice in the dressing room to get into a good zone before coming on to bat in the 3rd session of day 1. Gill eventually walked out to bat moments later to play the final few overs of the last session after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal for 57 off 58.

Shubman Gill saw off day 1 solidly with skipper Rohit Sharma who has been looking in a good touch in this Test match. Both Rohit and Gill have scored a Century each in the 5-match Test series, and today (day 2) the duo will be aiming to score another. The Indians are looking in a strong position at the moment as they look to score at least 500 runs in the 2nd innings.

Just Shubman Gill things🤌#ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/zZj0JJE1j0

— SG❤️🫶 (@shubmansukoon) March 7, 2024

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill complete half-centuries

After the conclusion of day 1 where Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill laid the foundation, the right-hand duo carried on and converted their positive starts into half-centuries on day 2. While Gill is playing more aggressively, the Indian skipper has kept his game slow and steady.

Since the start of day 2, Rohit has been playing according to the merit of the ball. He has respected the good deliveries by leaving or defending it down but has also made sure to punish the bad ones. Rohit has also stepped out occasionally and has smacked 9 fours and 3 sixes until now (till the 45th over).

Shubman Gill on the other hand has also been playing traditionally but also aggressive at the same time. His hard work behind the scenes to loosen his hard hands, the major flaw in his technique is starting to pay off. The 23-year-old has looked much more confident, comfortable and creative. He has followed the old-school method, shimmied down the ground on a few occasions and the best thing about him today has been his footwork.

The Fazilka-born batter’s highlight of day 2 has been the six he scored off James Anderson by stepping out of the crease. Anderson didn’t do much wrong, bowled in the 6-metre region but Gill had pre-anticipated the shot. The balance he had while playing the shot was very good, plus his bat flow and swing too helped him go for the lofted drive.

During the start of the series, Gill was heavily criticized for his technique and for the way he was constantly getting out. Gill had scores of 2, 26, 36, 10, 23, 23, 0, and 34 before the turnaround he produced from the 2nd Test against England.

Shubman Gill had scored 104 in the Vishakhapatnam Test before a duck and 91 in the Rajkot Test where India registered its biggest ever Test match win. In the 4th Test, Gill after getting out for 38 in the 2nd innings, scored an unbeaten half-century and partnered with Dhruv Jurel to help India claim the 4th Test by 5 wickets.

Gill and Rohit closing in on full-centuries

Rohit and Gill are currently in the 80s and are closing in on their 2nd century of the series. If they remain firm in the crease for a bit more long then India’s aim towards the 500-mark will be very much possible.