Former Indian cricketer and winner of the 1983 World Cup, Ravi Shastri has issued a warning or message to Shubman Gill, who is struggling to score runs in the Test format. On Friday, he faced another setback, scoring only 34 runs in the first innings of the second Test against England in Vishakhapatnam’s ACA-VDCA stadium.
Shubman Gill Failed To Score Runs Again
Shubman Gill was fortunate to be included in the playing XI for the 2nd Test after a poor performance in the 1st Test. In the Hyderabad Test, he scored 23 and 0 as India lost dramatically by 28 runs due to a batting collapse.
The current batting lineup lacks experience, with only Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill having notable exposure. Other players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rajat Patidar, and Shreyas Iyer are relatively inexperienced in international Test matches.
Shubman Gill, known for his success as an opener, faced a concerning dip in form when he shifted to the number 3 position in the batting order. The 24-year-old made this change after Cheteshwar Pujara was removed from the spot following India’s loss in the ICC World Test Championship 2023 final against Australia in June 2023.
While Gill had been a prolific batter in ODIs the previous year, his performance in the number 3 position has been disappointing. During India’s recent tour of South Africa, he failed to surpass 40 runs and recorded a best of 36 in two Tests.
Ravi Shastri Warned Gill
In the second Test against England, Shubman Gill’s struggles persisted despite hopes of a comeback. The 24-year-old, attempting a cover drive, succumbed to James Anderson’s delivery with a subtle outswing. Gill’s effort led to a thick edge, and Ben Foakes made a comfortable catch behind the stumps. Gill managed to score 34 runs off 46 balls before being dismissed.
Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri emphasized that Shubman Gill must prove himself quickly, as the player he replaced at number 3, Cheteshwar Pujara, is eager to reclaim his position. He said:
“It’s a fresh side, a young side. These youngsters have to prove themselves. Don’t forget, Pujara is waiting. He is grinding it out at the Ranji Trophy and is always in the radar It’s a Test match; you’ve got to stay out there. Otherwise, you’ll get into all sorts of problems. You’re going with those hard hands, reaching out at the ball. Especially with someone of Anderson’s class.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal having +ve intent unlike So called Genrational talent Shubman gill.
THE MOMENT 👇 2nd Century by a Maximum 🔥 #INDvsENGTest
pic.twitter.com/NZ7wKVowgI— 𝐒𝐚𝐦 (@_Sam_X_49) February 2, 2024
