Indian opener Shubman Gill discussed the impact of Virat Kohli’s absence on the team ahead of the fourth Test match against England. Kohli, who became a father for the second time recently, took a break from cricket to be with his family in London. Consequently, he withdrew from the ongoing Test series against England, affecting the dynamics of Team India.
Shubman Gill Reacts To Virat Kohli’s Absence
Shubman Gill mentioned that Virat Kohli’s absence affects all players but also presents opportunities for others. Gill, who replaced Kohli in the Test series, has performed well in his role.
Shubman Gill said, “Virat Kohli’s absence affects every team but players who have got an opportunity in his absence have done really well.”
Shubman Gill struggled in the first match but bounced back strongly in the second game with a century in Visakhapatnam. He followed it up with a solid innings of 91 runs in Rajkot. Now, he aims to maintain his good form in the upcoming match.
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Replacing Kohli, India brought in Sarfaraz Khan, known for his performances in first-class cricket. The 26-year-old debuted in the Rajkot Test, impressing with fifties in both innings. Gill noted the debutants’ strong performances, indicating they are seizing their opportunities effectively.
Gill mentioned, “I think Sarfaraz came in and played well. So, I think they are doing well in the opportunities that they are getting”.
Gill believes that the absence of senior players like Kohli has provided opportunities to newcomers. Alongside Kohli, pacer Bumrah has also been rested but only for the 4th Test.
The reason provided as per the BCCI release read,” The decision was taken keeping in mind the duration of the series and amount of cricket he has played in recent times”. Mukesh Kumar has joined the squad in Ranchim replacing Jasprit Bumrah,
India’s updated squad for the 4th Test:
Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.
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