Shubman Gill is all set to take up the number 3 position in the opening Test match against the West Indies, which starts on July 12 in Dominica, according to Team India skipper Rohit Sharma. Yashasvi Jaiswal would be given his Test debut as a result of the arrangement, which Rohit also confirmed.
When KL Rahul wasn’t playing, Gill opened the innings alongside Rohit and had success. The batsman, however, reportedly went to head coach Rahul Dravid and asked to be put in at one down, according to the Indian skipper. Cheteshwar Pujara, who had previously been serving as India’s important No. 3 for many years, was not chosen for the West Indies tour.
Gill himself wants to bat at No. 3: Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharms spoke at the pre-match press conference and spoke about the changes in the top order. He said,“Regarding batting positions, Gill will bat at No. 3, because Gill himself wants to bat at No. 3. He had a chat with Rahul bhai [Dravid] and told him that, ‘I have played all my cricket at No. 3 and 4. I think I can do better for the team if I bat at No. 3.”
The Indian team skipper spoke about the left-right combination that India will be playing with against the West Indies. He said, “This is good for us as well since we get a left-right opening combination. Hopefully, this works long-time as we have been desperate for a left-hander for a long time. We have got one and let’s hope that he [Jaiswal] performs well for the team and can make that spot his own.”
Rohit Sharma then spoke about the bowling combination as once again the debate between Shardul Thakur’s inclusion was looming large. He said, “Looking at the wicket, it seems we might play two spinners and three seamers. During the last Test match played here in 2017, lot of wickets were taken by spinners. Having trained here for few days, we felt there is a little bit of bounce.”
Fans react as Rohit Sharma confirms Yashasvi Jaiswal’s debut ahead of 1st Test against West Indies:
Major points from Rohit Sharma press conference: [RevSportz]
– Jaiswal to debut.
– Gill to bat at 3.
– 2 spinners in the playing 11. pic.twitter.com/R37QWoUter— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 11, 2023
That means Ishan Kishan is not debuting tomorrow?
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) July 11, 2023
Top 8 are then more or less final. Only question would be about who would be the 3 pacers- I feel Siraj & Unadkat are also fixed in that.
Third pacer between Saini & Mukesh.
If India is looking at grooming a replacement for Umesh then Navdeep should play both tests.
— Advaitya Chandhoke (@AdvaityaC) July 11, 2023
Love the fact that Hitman is being creative, and focusing on that lefty righty combo.
Shubhman at 3 means Rohit will be striking the ball.
At 4 I would like to see another left hander, preferably Pant but wouldn’t mind trying out Ishan over there or Jadeja even.
Then u guys tell— pratik (@pr4tik360) July 12, 2023
Yessss such a huge test match is coming. Against the world champions and a great team of West Indies that's why our players have reached Caribbean 10 days before and for a mediocre match like WTC final against Aus they needed just 4 days. Great cricket team.
— jugal.gaud (@im_gaud) July 11, 2023
Hopefully it's Axar and Jaddu
Axar can't be the scapegoat always and he is currently the the 3rd best test batter of this team— DC HYPE (@17xDC) July 11, 2023
Chalo at last gill ko middle order me try kar hi liya vo jada succesfull test me middle order me hi hoga
— Aarav Mavi (@AaravMavi14) July 11, 2023
Hoping that we go with the pace trio of Siraj, Unadkat, & Thakur/Mukesh
— Saumya Mehta (@saumyameh) July 11, 2023
2 major points still missing: Rohit & Virat's retirement.
— Neelabh Pratap Singh?? (@authorneelabh) July 11, 2023
Bina pujara ke kitna mst lag raha hai playing 11 ?
— Ashish. (@____ashish_m) July 11, 2023
