India vs Australia: “It’s a huge confidence boost for me to face top bowlers in the nets,” says Shubman Gill

India vs Australia: “It’s a huge confidence boost for me to face top bowlers in the nets,” says Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill

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Gill Siraj
Shubman Gill with Mohammed Siraj

India came up with a strong response to the debacle in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval against Australia with a more than decent showing on Day 1 and Day 2 of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After the first Test, India made a plethora of changes to their line-up, 4 to be exact and all four delivered to an extent. Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets, Rishabh Pant got some handy runs and so did Ravindra Jadeja.

Shubman Gill who debuted in the second Test, scored a confident 45 in the first innings showing no signs of nervousness. Although he did survive a dropped chance, the 21-year-old looked assured and composed during his knock that included 8 fours and came at a healthy strike rate of 69. Gill ultimately got out to his Kolkata Knight Riders teammate Pat Cummins by nicking him to the wicket-keeper.

Gill’s commanding knock at the top even after Mayank Agarwal’s early wicket set the tone for India to take the lead which they did courtesy an authoritative hundred from stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane.

‘Focused on playing with intent’ – Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill spoke at a virtual media conference after Day 2 about his performance and mindset saying, “When I came in to bat, there was something on the pitch. The pitch was lively. But the only thing I told myself was, not matter what is happening on the pitch, I should not stress myself and play my game with intent. I had certain plans and expectations that fit with that of the team’s. I was talking with the batting coach and Ravi sir, we were talking about how I should be able to approach the game.”

Speaking about his dismissal to Kolkata Knight Riders teammate Pat Cummins, “I didn’t have a specific game plan against Cummins. I have played against him in the KKR nets. He is a world class bowler. The plan was to focus and not lose my wicket. I’m not satisfied with the way I got out. That was a loose shot to play off the last ball of the over. But overall, I’m pretty satisfied that I showed intent and got some runs,” Gill said.

Gill has been a part of India’s last few tours and he spoke of the experience that facing the Indian pacers at the nets gave him. “It’s a huge confidence booster for a youngster like me to face top bowling attacks in the nets over the course of the last few tours. That is why when I went in to bat, it didn’t feel like I was in a whole new place,” the debutant said.

India will hope the 21-year-old comes good in the second innings as well to lead his side to a series-levelling victory.

Also Read: India vs Australia: Skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s masterful hundred helps India to 82-run lead at end of Day 2