India is prepping for England in Test two of five, very aware they need their top game. They face a 1-0 series shortfall and they’ll miss two top players from the first Test.
Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, first innings half-century scorers in Hyderabad, are out for the Visakhapatnam Test. India has added to their team with some replacements, and it looks like there will be personal switches.
Forced adjustments may not be the only strategy used by the team management for the second Test. Shubman Gill’s position in the team is under scrutiny, and even if the think tank wants to give him another chance to impress, his removal is justified.
Here are three reasons why Shubman Gill should be dropped from the second Test against England.
1. Shubman Gill’s dismal performance in the first Test
Shubman Gill was one of the least impressive batsmen in the first Test. The No. 3 batter scored 23 and 0, and both his technique and approach were criticized.
Gill retreated into his shell in the first innings, scoring only two boundaries in a difficult vigil at the crease. The way in which he dismissed, spooning a routine ball to midwicket, was also unfortunate. Things got much worse in the second inning, as the 24-year-old stabbed at a ball from Tom Hartley and let up a catch to ridiculous point off the face of his bat.
Gill’s harsh hands and generally muddled attitude were unimpressive, and India may have to respond quickly if they are to reclaim the series.
2. Shubman Gill has already been given a long run in Tests
Shubman Gill certainly has the support of the team’s administration, and properly so. He is now one of the most promising prospects in international cricket, and he is certain to triumph at the Test level in the future.
Yet, Gill has been provided ample opportunities within this format. Following 21 Tests, his average falls below 30 and his strike rate is under 60. The young player achieved merely four fifties and a pair of hundreds. His average has remained under 30 throughout his past four years of play.
Gill has only scored above 30 in his previous 11 Test innings, so a break may be really beneficial.
3. India have in-form replacements waiting in the wings
India may hesitate to introduce many newcomers in an intense match like the second Test. However, the players on the bench are quite seasoned.
Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan may not have Test caps yet, but their run-scoring feats in domestic cricket and A tours are significant. Lately, both batsmen have been scoring phenomenally for the A team, especially in their recent matches against South Africa A and England Lions.
Patidar might replace Gill at No. 3 in the batting order. And, while Sarfaraz has typically batted at No. 4 or below in his previous teams, he is more than capable of filling Gill’s job, particularly on turners.