Shubman Gill feels that India’s exceptional performance in the pace bowling department has been the major differentiating factor in the India-England Test series thus far.
India leads the five-match Test series against England 2-1. After losing the first Test in Hyderabad by 28 runs, they bounced back strongly to win the next two matches. Jasprit Bumrah has been the standout performer with 17 wickets, while Mohammed Siraj impressed with four wickets in the first innings in Rajkot.
Our strategy will be the same as the previous games- Shubman Gill
Ahead of the fourth Test in Ranchi, scheduled to commence on Friday, February 23, Shubman Gill took the opportunity during a press conference to express his thoughts on the team’s bowling strategy, particularly praising the fast bowlers for their remarkable performances.
In India, wherever we play, there is some help for spinners. Our strategy will be the same as the previous games. It also depends on who wins the toss. Our spinners Ash bhai [Ravichandran Ashwin] and Jaddu bhai [Ravindra Jadeja] always take wickets here. But the way our fast bowlers have bowled has been the difference in the series,” Gill said.
Bumrah is a big player and will be missed- Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill admitted that India will feel the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested for the fourth Test. However, he expressed his belief in Mohammed Siraj’s capability to step up and lead the bowling attack in Bumrah’s absence.
Just like [Virat] Kohli, Bumrah is also a big player and will be missed. He is the leader of our pace attack, but I think the way Mohammad Siraj has bowled, especially in the last [first] innings of the Rajkot Test match, claiming four wickets at a very crucial time, (it was really good). All the bowlers have experience in Indian conditions,” Gill added.
Mohammed Siraj was instrumental in England’s collapse during the first innings in Rajkot, taking 4 wickets for 84 runs. His bowling performance was crucial as England crumbled from 224/2 to 319 all out.
I think Sarfaraz Khan came in and performed really well- Shubman Gill
With Jasprit Bumrah missing the fourth Test and Virat Kohli skipping the entire series to be with his family for the birth of his second child, Shubman Gill acknowledged that Kohli’s absence is a significant loss. However, he chose to look at the positives in the situation.
When a player like Virat bhai is missing, it does make a difference. But, I think Sarfaraz [Khan] came in and performed really well. Players are getting opportunities because of it and they are doing pretty well,” the right-hander said.
Sarfaraz made a remarkable debut in the Rajkot Test against England, scoring 62 runs in the first innings before being run out. He then remained unbeaten on 68 in the second innings as India secured a record 434-run victory.
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