In what is a big boost for the Indian team, Shubman Gill, fresh off a crucial century in the Vizag Test, will be fit for the third Test against England in Rajkot, putting an end to any concerns around his fitness following a finger-injury scare on Day 4 of the second Test. RevSportz has learnt that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is set to meet virtually on Friday to pick the team for the remainder of the five-Test series.
Gill, the 24-year-old who had been grappling with a poor run of form, roared back among the runs with a brilliant knock of 104 in India’s second innings, contributing significantly to the team’s victory and levelling the ongoing five-match series at 1-1.
Gill’s stellar performance, combined with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s magnificent double-century in the first innings, showcased the depth and resilience of India’s batting line-up. However, the joy over Gill’s return to form was tempered by concerns about his fitness after he suffered the finger injury while fielding during England’s second innings on Day 3.
He did not take the field on Day 4, fuelling speculation about the severity of his injury. In his absence, Sarfaraz Khan filled in on the field as India secured a comfortable win. Addressing concerns about his condition, Gill disclosed that he underwent scans to assess the extent of the soreness in his finger.
“I had to go for the scans yesterday, so they rushed me off (to know) like how sore my finger is in the evening… to check that and to know how I am feeling,” Gill told the host broadcaster following the conclusion of the Vizag Test.
Gill’s ability to bounce back from a challenging period and deliver under pressure spoke volumes about his character. As the cricketing world awaits the return of Virat Kohli, uncertainty looms over his availability for the remaining three Tests. In Kohli’s potential absence, Gill will continue to shoulder additional responsibility in the batting order.
The third Test begins on February 15.
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