Shubman Gill Reveals What Made Him To Bat Number 3 In Tests: As the first Test match between West Indies and India begins in Dominica, several notable changes are evident in Rohit Sharma’s team. Two debutants, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan, have received their Test caps, indicating an infusion of fresh talent into the squad. Furthermore, the pace attack features a different ensemble, given the absence of key players such as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Among the most significant shifts is the introduction of a new No.3 batter for the Indian team. With Cheteshwar Pujara dropped from the lineup, speculation arose about who would fill the void. Initial predictions pointed towards Jaiswal or Ruturaj Gaikwad, but an unexpected candidate emerged — Shubman Gill.
Gill, having opened for India in Test matches since his 2021 debut in Australia, surprised many by expressing his preference to bat at No.3. Although he has batted at this position only once in his 30 Test innings — scoring 47 runs against New Zealand in Mumbai — Gill felt the slot better suited his capabilities.
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“Not really, I’m not a senior player”: Shubman Gill
Before the first Test against the West Indies, Rohit Sharma confirmed Gill’s request to change his batting position. During a pre-match media conference, he stated, “Shubman Gill himself approached coach Rahul Dravid and expressed his wish to bat at No.3 or 4, where he believes he can contribute more to the team.”
Shubman Gill elaborated on this shift in a pre-game conversation with the broadcasters. He referred to his past experience in India A matches, where he frequently batted at No.3 or 4. When asked about his preferred batting position in this series, he confidently chose No.3, believing it best suits his skillset.
Gill acknowledged the advantages of opening the batting against a new ball, but he sees batting at No.3 as not vastly different. The main variation, according to Gill, is the slight break before entering the game.
Despite his new role, Gill insists he’s not yet a senior player, implying his roles are evolving but he has a long way to go.
All eyes are now on this young cricketer as he steps up to solidify his position at No.3. His new role, coupled with the debutants and a reshuffled pace attack, paints a picture of a renewed Indian cricket team keen on exploring different avenues. It remains to be seen how these changes will translate on the field and contribute to the team’s overall performance.
