Shubman Gill can breathe a sigh of relief. He has done his part with a century in the Vizag Test to alleviate not only his fears but also India Cricket Team’s fears for the time being. Gill was ready to go back to domestic cricket and play Punjab vs Gujarat Ranji Trophy match at Mohali during the gap between IND vs ENG 2nd Test and 3rd Test. The reason? Rahul Dravid & Co gave him an “ultimatum”. He passed the “do or die” Test with a brilliant century in the India vs England Vizag Test 2nd innings.
As per an Indian Express report, Shubman Gill received an ultimatum from the India team management following his two-ball duck in Hyderabad. He was told that Vizag Test would be his last chance. With squad announcement for the remaining three IND vs ENG Test around, he had one last chance.
Shubman Gill took the challenge. But before that, he informed his family: “I will go and play the Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat in Mohali.”
Shubman Gill shuts critics
Failure was not an option anymore after he took Cheteshwar Pujara’s spot at No 3. But his returns were abysmal. Since his last Test century, Shubman Gill scored 173 runs in 11 innings at an average of 17.30. His best was only 36. And during all these, Cheteshwar Pujara was dominating domestic cricket once again, scoring a double century.
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He did not start the IND vs ENG 2nd Test well either. In the first innings, he fell for 34. However, under pressure, Shubman Gill finally delivered the goods when it mattered the most. He went on the aggressive route to take down England bowling attack in his 147-ball 104-run knock. His knock included 11 fours and 2 sixes including a takedown of Rehan Ahmed when he hit 6, 4 and 4 against the wrist-spinner.
While he would still be disappointed with his dismissal, trying to play a reverse sweep, he has kept his place for the time being. However, it wasn’t a flawless knock. An umpire’s call saved him when he was on 4. He survived with a DRS against Tom Hartley and then again an umpire’s call saved him.
After those two nervy moments, Shubman Gill took on and scored at a brisk rate to take India to 255 in the 2nd innings.
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