Sanjay Manjrekar, a past cricket player from India, wants Shubman Gill to improve his Test play. Gill didn’t score well on the first Test’s opening day. It happened in Centurion at the Supersport Park during the South Africa game. Manjrekar, who now comments on the sport, noted that Gill fights strong contenders for his spot. So, he must show steady performance.
From the West Indies tour, Gill has struggled with scoring while playing at No.3. Despite being born in Punjab, a state known for its cricketers, Gill’s scores have been a dismal 6, 10, 29* and 2. At the outset of the first Test, newcomer Shane Burger managed to snag an outside edge from Gill’s bat, a catch secured by Kyle Verreynne.
Manjrekar told Star Sports that Gill’s place in ODI cricket is certain, but that there is still work to be done in the other two forms.
“Shubman Gill has to keep getting runs,” Manjrekar said. “If you look at his T20 performances, you know he is getting some serious competition there. Test cricket, I think, they will back him more, but the numbers have to keep coming. At the moment, Gill looks entrenched and established in the 50-over format. The other two formats, there is work to be done, but class-wise, he is a real deal.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Gill started his career at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) against Australia during the 2020-21 season, doing an excellent job. His first Test triumph was in a match against Bangladesh, then he adorned another one against Australia. But, his average in the format lingers at 32.20.
“He has been around for a while” – Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar believes Gill has genuine talent. However, he must convert his potential into actual results. The 58-year-old further stated:
“He is the real deal. There is class there. Somebody who gets a 90 in his very first Test match in foreign condition against a good attack, has to have class. Now, finally, it has come to be about delivery, right? It’s about runs now. And his average at the moment is in the low 30s. He has been around for a while. The thing in India is that he has got batting competition coming through.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Meanwhile, Team India reached 208-8 on a rain-soaked opening day at Centurion, with to KL Rahul unbeaten 70.