As India gear up for a crucial two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai, Shubman Gill, one of India’s promising young batters, has a rather straightforward message to his teammates: do not underestimate Bangladesh. With the series poised to be a significant test for both teams, Shubman Gill’s message comes at a time when Bangladesh are riding high on confidence after a historic clean sweep against Pakistan in their own backyard.
India’s top-order batter Shubman Gill believes the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh shapes up to be an interesting and intriguing contest. The first Test between India and Bangladesh will be played in Chennai on September 19, followed by the second Test in Kanpur starting on September 27. Gill has been included in India’s squad for the Chennai game, which sees the return of Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli into the Test scheme of things, while left-arm pacer Yash Dayal has been given a maiden call-up.
Shubman Gill’s test career for India.
For India, this series is more than just another Test assignment; it’s a critical part of their preparation for the upcoming home season, which includes another crucial series against New Zealand. Shubman Gill’s role in the upcoming series will be significant. Fresh from Duleep Trophy, where he led India A, Gill will be aiming to assume his no.3 responsibilities for the Test team.
After making his mark as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma, Gill was moved down to the No.3 position to accommodate rising star Yashaswi Jaiswal. This transition wasn’t without its challenges. In his initial matches at No.3, Shubman Gill struggled to find his rhythm, leading to questions about his suitability for the position.
However, Shubman Gill has since turned things around, scoring 618 runs at an average of 41.20 in 10 Tests at No.3. As a number three batter, Shubman Gill amassed 452 runs in nine innings during this year’s 4-1 Test series against England, while averaging 56.50. In 25 Tests so far, Shubman Gill has made 1492 runs at an average of 35.52, with the last year seeing him transition into a number three batter.
Bangladesh’s Test series victory has sent ripples through the cricketing world. Under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh achieved what many thought was impossible. The victories were not just narrow escapes; they were commanding displays of skill and composure. Bangladesh secured a 10-wicket win in the first Test and followed it up with a six-wicket victory in the second, marking the first time in history that Bangladesh had defeated Pakistan in a Test match, let alone a series.
This stunning performance has not gone unnoticed, especially by the Indian camp. Shubman Gill, speaking to JioCinema, highlighted the importance of not taking Bangladesh lightly.
Shubman Gill addresses Bangladesh’s clean-sweep of Pakistan, names two major threats as India gear up for 2 match Test face off
Team India batter Shubman Gill reckons that the two-match Test series against Bangladesh will be an interesting and intriguing contest. The right-hander went on to term Bangladesh’s performance in the last couple of months as impressive. India are all set to take on Bangladesh in a two-match Test series at home. The first Test will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from September 19 to September 23, while the second match will be held at Green Park in Kanpur from September 27 to October 1.
While India will begin the series as favorites, Bangladesh would be on a high, having registered a historic 2-0 triumph in the Test series in Pakistan. Speaking to JioCinema, Gill admitted that Bangladesh would be no pushovers in the Test series. He said :
“I don’t think you can underestimate any international side. The kind of cricket Bangladesh has played in the last couple of months, especially in Pakistan, has been impressive. Their fast bowlers and the way their middle-order batters have absorbed pressure shouldn’t be disregarded. So, I believe it will be an interesting and intriguing contest.”
The 25-year-old recently captained India A against India B in the first round of the 2024 Duleep Trophy. The right-handed batter had a disappointing match, registering scores of 25 and 21 as India A went down by 76 runs.
Shubman Gill on Test success against England
Shubman Gill has had a mixed start to his Test career and has often been guilty of throwing away good starts. However, batting at No. 3, he did a good job in the home series against England earlier this year. The talented cricketer scored 452 runs in nine innings at an average of 56.50. Reflecting on the learnings from the series, which India won 4-1, he asserted:
“That was a big confidence boost for me, especially after losing the first Test match. Quite a few players were unavailable, so there was pressure on us to win the series.
“I had never played five Test matches before, so it was a good experience and exciting to feel that intensity. Even after getting breaks following two Test matches, we never dropped that intensity,” Gill added.
Having made his Test debut in December 2020, the young batter Shubman Gill has featured in 25 matches and has scored 1492 runs at an average of 35.52, with four hundreds and six fifties to his name.