Never underestimate Shubman Gill: the support of Team India enables the rising star batter to overcome his No. 3 slump

I’ll be honest; I’ll put it in one line. Playing my first ball and my final ball had the same rhythm in my heart. My pulse remained the same, yes. My pulse remained constant throughout my innings. Even after scoring 104, I was still that anxious.”

These were Shubman Gill’s remarks after his significant century that helped India win the Vizag Test, both for the team and for himself.

Since his U-19 days, when he distinguished himself from the rest of the field with his century against Pakistan in a high-stakes semifinal match, Gill has been held to a great deal of expectation. The player’s brilliance was evident throughout the whole of 2023, as he finished as the top run scorer in One-Day Internationals and amassed a century in all competition forms.

For a player of Gill’s caliber, tests are always thought of as the ultimate test, and that’s where he began to stumble a little. His tenure of 12 innings without a fifty came at the renowned No. 3 spot, which was previously held by Cheteshwar Pujara.

Although it’s never easy to replace Pujara, Gill seemed to be crumbling under the pressure of the situation as supporters and commentators expressed their annoyance. But the management of the Indian squad has always had faith in the player’s abilities.

The first to declare that the backroom team was fully behind the rising star was Vikram Rathour, the batsman, who even said that he was destined for a “big innings.”

Following Gill’s fulfillment of Rathour’s prophesy, head coach Rahul Dravid entered the game to express gratitude and support for the 24-year-old.

Shubman Gill’s caliber is well known to us: Dravid
There is no one better to discuss the strain and difficulties that come with holding the number three place than Dravid. After the Indian coach scored more than 10,000 runs from the position, he gave Pujara the ball.

Now that he was the coach, Dravid shown his class by thanking Gill for his efforts at the spot for India in Vizag, particularly at a crucial moment in the match.

During the news conference, the Indian coach acknowledged that Gill was under criticism from outside sources, but the squad continued to have faith in the 24-year-old. Dravid cited Gill’s well-documented talent and highlighted the crucial hits he took during the lean period.

“We have a great deal of faith in Shubman, even if he entered the Test match under pressure from the outside. We have seen his class and his skill, therefore we know it. His skill as a player has been shown.

Even in this short sprint. We have him at Chittagong 100 percent. In Ahmedabad, he got a 100. Thus, we are aware of its attribute. Naturally, however, given that he is a young player and is held to high standards, I believe he felt pressure. Very pleased with how he performed, Dravid said.

Gill may have acknowledged that he felt uneasy throughout his hundred, but the club management is behind him and is optimistic that his run of poor performance at the No. 3 slot is coming to an end. Gill has been given a lengthy leash to succeed by David and his team since they see his skill.

The story of what transpires in Rajkot between the two squads is yet unwritten, but the team management is certain that Gill will be their new “wall” at number three.