Wasim Jaffer, the former Indian opener, has proposed a noteworthy adjustment to Team India’s top-order strategy for the current Test series against England. Jaffer suggests that Shubman Gill should take on the opening responsibilities alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, with captain Rohit Sharma moving to the No. 3 position in the batting order. Shubman Gill has had a terrible last couple of series with the bat in hand.
This suggestion comes in the aftermath of India’s 28-run defeat to England chasing 231 in the fourth innings in the first Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, where Gill struggled, managing scores of 23 and 0 while batting at No. 3.
Waiting to bat for his turn isn’t helping Shubman Gill- Wasim Jaffer
“Gill and Jaiswal should open and Rohit should bat at no.3 in 2nd test in my opinion. Waiting to bat for his turn isn’t helping Shubman, it’s better he opens the inn. Rohit plays spin really well, so batting at No. 3 should not worry him too much. #INDvENG,”
In the recently concluded Hyderabad Test, Gill struggled to make a mark, scoring 23 and a duck, while Jaiswal impressed with innings of 80 and 15. Rohit Sharma contributed scores of 24 and 39 but was unable to convert his starts into substantial innings.
Let’s not cast Shubman Gill aside and say he can’t play. He can play- Kevin Pietersen
Despite his recent struggles in red-ball cricket, former England captain Kevin Pietersen expressed support for Shubman Gill to retain his place in the Indian playing XI for the next Test in Visakhapatnam. Pietersen mentioned that he enjoys watching the right-hander bat, expressing confidence in his abilities. Speaking on JioCinema, Pietersen said,
“I don’t think you can get rid of somebody as quickly as one test match. He will definitely play in Vizag and let’s have a look and see how he prepares for the next Test. Let’s not cast Shubman Gill aside and say he can’t play. He can play. When you talk about feelings, he gives me the feeling of sheer joy and delight when he walks out to bat. I want to watch him bat,”
While Shubman Gill is expected to keep his place in the playing XI for the second Test, there could be uncertainty about his position if Virat Kohli returns for the last three matches of the series.
Shubman Gill’s struggles in the Test Cricket
Despite his impressive performances in limited-overs cricket, especially ODIs, Shubman Gill has struggled to make a similar impact in Test matches.
In 21 Test matches, Shubman Gill has accumulated 1,063 runs at a dismal average of 29.52, including two centuries and four half-centuries.
The last 11 Test innings of Shubman Gill read: 0, 23, 10, 36, 26, 2, 29*, 10, 6, 18, 13