Atreyo Mukhopadhyay in Pune
Sometimes, players returning from injuries are under additional observation. The media keep asking the team management about their progress and follow their every step. Each move they make is subjected to scrutiny. In the context of the India-New Zealand series, this cricketer at the moment is Shubhman Gill, who missed the first Test due to a stiff neck.
To be fair to him, Gill has looked earnest enough to make a comeback. He was seen batting in Bengaluru during breaks in play. Even in Pune, before the second Test, he spent hours at the nets on both practice days, including Wednesday, when the India players had an optional training session. The player from Punjab looked studious and dead serious.
Why is Gill important for India in the scheme of things? Well, he is the team’s designated No 3, a position he wanted and the team management granted. His returns have been impressive since he relinquished the opening slot. After indifferent outings in the West Indies and South Africa last year, Gill made two centuries and a 91 against England and a century against Bangladesh.
Most of these runs came in the second innings. Not when the situation wasn’t challenging. Gill played those knocks when India needed to stabilise the ship or had to consolidate the slightly advantageous position they were in. Those were valuable contributions, which helped India win those Tests against England and Bangladesh. There was also a crucial and unbeaten 52 against England in the fourth innings in Ranchi. It helped India seal the series after some nervy moments.
Going by stats, the decision to drop down to No 3 and take the place occupied by Cheteshwar Pujara has worked for the 25-year-old. In 12 Tests as a non-opener, Gill averages 43.44. His career average in 27 Tests is 36.80. So this is a position that suits him better. Now that he is at peace with the question of where he bats and the team has no problem with it, it’s time for Gill to make this count.
Along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Gill is tipped to be India’s batting star across formats from the generation after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. His start in Australia in 2021 was promising. After some mediocre returns, he seems to have finally cracked it. To give up the opening position was a bold call. He had assessed his game, seen the pros and cons before taking the decision.
Now is the time to build on that. A batter with a range of shots who is equally comfortable against pace and spin in Indian conditions, this is time for him to make those positives count. The team needs runs from him, given that it is trailing in the series at the moment. When on song, Gill can make a difference because his natural game ensures a smooth flow of runs.
He is one of the players who doesn’t have to be overly aggressive. His natural game is such that the runs come, without him making too much of a visible effort. That’s not a very common trait and that’s why Gill had been hailed as a special talent since his under-19 days. After the highs and lows at the top of the order, he seems to have got the hang of it. Gill will be a vital cog not only in the New Zealand series, but going forward as well.
Rishabh Pant is fit and will keep wickets tomorrow, confirms Gautam Gambhir! While the playing XI dilemma continues, Gambhir is pleased to see healthy competition within the squad.
Catch all the insights from Team India’s press conference ahead of the 2nd #INDvsNZ Test!… pic.twitter.com/wivx01Lrhr
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