Shubman Gill, known for his excellence as an opener across all formats of the game, has made the decision to bat at the number three position for the Indian Test team. The 23-year-old made this recommendation to India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, prior to the first Test against the West Indies.
Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour has expressed his support for Gill’s decision to bat at number three. Rathour explained that since there were three openers in the team, one had to take on the number three spot. Gill, having played most of his cricket for Punjab and India A at either number three or four, believed that it was his natural position in the longest format of the game.
“Three openers were supposed to play, so one had to go at No. 3 and the proposal came from Shubman’s end as his rationale was that he had played all his cricket for Punjab and India A at either No. 3 or 4, and that’s his real slot in the longer format,” Rathour said at a press conference, as quoted by India Today.
Rathour further emphasized that it would not be fair to judge Gill’s batting based on just one innings. He acknowledged that the 23-year-old possesses the technique and temperament to play patiently when required, while also having the ability to play an aggressive game. In the first Test against the West Indies, although Gill struggled with the bat, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli emerged as India’s top run-scorers, contributing significantly to their victory by an innings and 141 runs at Windsor Park in Dominica.
“We can’t judge him based on one innings. He has a lot of time. He has the technique and temperament to play patiently if required and can also play an attacking game when needed to push the game forward. That is what we need at number three, as it can be advantageous,” the batting coach added.
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By accepting the challenge to bat at number three, Shubman Gill aims to establish himself in a new role and contribute effectively to the Indian Test team’s success. The team’s support, including that of the batting coach, will be crucial in nurturing Gill’s potential and helping him excel in his new position on the field.
