“Didn’t Considered Opening..”: Shubman Gill Over No. 3

Shubman Gill, a batsman in the Indian cricket team, revealed that he didn’t consider returning to opening the batting during a rough patch in his career. Gill, who delivered an impressive century on Day 2 of the fifth Test match against England in Dharamsala on Friday, faced challenges in scoring runs before the ongoing series.

With Yashasvi Jaiswal opening alongside Rohit Sharma, Gill was assigned the No. 3 position, requiring some adjustment. Nonetheless, he made a strong comeback and has already accumulated over 400 runs in the ongoing five-match Test series against England.

Gill was quoted telling broadcasters, “When you’re not scoring, you tend to overthink, which I did. But reverting to opening was not something I considered.”

He also discussed his higher average in the third and fourth innings compared to the first two innings in Test matches, explaining how he adapts his innings to the situation.

“When I bat in the second innings, I understand the target I’m chasing. I know how to manage my innings accordingly,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Gill’s first coach and father, Lakhwinder, believes his son’s return to facing bowlers head-on has helped him regain form in Test cricket, although he disagrees with his decision to bat at number three.

“He should have continued opening. I don’t think it’s right. When you spend more time in the dressing room, the pressure tends to mount. Number 3 is neither opening nor a middle-order spot.

“Moreover, his style of play doesn’t suit it; it’s more suited to players like Cheteshwar Pujara, who have a defensive style. When you come in after 5-7 overs, the ball is still new, and the bowler has settled into his length.”