India’s recent Test series with Rohit Sharma as the new captain is undoubtedly one to remember. The performance by all the players of the squad is commendable.
With the young players giving out great performances, it is safe to say that these young players are ready.
Players like Shubham Gill and Hanuma Vihari are ready to become replacements for the veterans Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara for the long term. It is becoming more evident that the veterans won’t be called for the three Tests now. Instead, Gill and Vihari will be with Iyer as a backup. Rahane and Pujara have been a part of the squad for a long time now. They have performed to their full potential in their prime and delivered some great performances for the team.
Rahane and Pujara are widely known in the Test format of the game.
There is a vast possibility that Gill gets on as the number three batter behind Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal.
The Statement
Former national selector and Test opener for India has also stated his likeliness towards the youngster.
“India’s best bet at number three is Shubham Gill. Yes, he has opened, but Mayank is there alongside Rohit, and Shubman has the game to bat at that number,” said Gandhi in an interview with PTI
“Why I feel the team management might be inclined to try him at No.3 is because when we fast-tracked him into India A system, he had a double hundred in the middle-order against West Indies A in West Indies. Also, He already opened in Tests as No.3, so he will play the new ball well and start moving the game with his variety of strokes. You will not get bogged down with Gill. He will start to push the envelope,” Gandhi further explained his statement.
With this said, there is a possibility of Rohit and Dravid play Vihari at No.6. Moreover, they may send Rishabh Pant at no.5.
Devang Gandhi has stated Shubham Gill as the “Best Bet” for India at the No.3 slot for the batting order.
Endnote
There are two vacant spots from India’s last Test in Cape Town. Virat Kohli plays his 100th Test at Mohali. The three youngsters are going to be preparing for an extended haul within the spots vacated. by the two veterans. After having made those spots their own for a decade.
Who is going to be the one overlooked one if all three are fit going into the primary Test starting March 4? That is the biggest question.
With Gill being the favorite choice, the final decision is with Rohit and Dravid.
