Ravindra Jadeja has been promoted to Grade A+ in BCCI's recently-released central contract list. Jadeja has been on a roll ever since he returned to action after a long injury layoff with superlative performances during India's home series versus Australia. Thus, he has joined skipper Rohit Sharma, former captain Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah in the top-grade contract (salary of INR 70 million/7 crore).

KL Rahul, who got removed as the white-ball vice-captain and was dropped for the final two Tests versus Australia, has been demoted to Grade B. As many as five players have been included in Grade A (INR 50 million/5 crore) whereas there are six players in Grade B and 11 in Grade C.

Check out the full list:

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-wi-quinton-de-kock-hits-maiden-t20i-hundred-as-proteas-complete-highest-t20i-run-chase-in-centurion-576011">SA vs WI: Quinton de Kock hits maiden T20I hundred as Proteas complete highest T20I run chase in Centurion</a>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>PLAYER</td>
			<td>GRADE</td>
			<td>SALARY (in INR)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rohit Sharma</td>
			<td>A+</td>
			<td>70 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Virat Kohli</td>
			<td>A+</td>
			<td>70 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Jasprit Bumrah</td>
			<td>A+</td>
			<td>70 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ravindra Jadeja</td>
			<td>A+</td>
			<td>70 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hardik Pandya</td>
			<td>A</td>
			<td>50 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>R Ashwin</td>
			<td>A</td>
			<td>50 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rishabh Pant</td>
			<td>A</td>
			<td>50 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Axar Patel</td>
			<td>A</td>
			<td>50 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Md Shami</td>
			<td>A</td>
			<td>50 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cheteshwar Pujara</td>
			<td>B</td>
			<td>30 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KL Rahul</td>
			<td>B</td>
			<td>30 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Shreyas Iyer</td>
			<td>B</td>
			<td>30 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Md Siraj</td>
			<td>B</td>
			<td>30 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Suryakumar Yadav</td>
			<td>B</td>
			<td>30 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Shubman Gill</td>
			<td>B</td>
			<td>30 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Shikhar Dhawan</td>
			<td>C</td>
			<td>10 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Shardul Thakur</td>
			<td>C</td>
			<td>10 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Yuzvendra Chahal</td>
			<td>C</td>
			<td>10 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Umesh Yadav</td>
			<td>C</td>
			<td>10 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sanju Samson</td>
			<td>C</td>
			<td>10 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ishan Kishan</td>
			<td>C</td>
			<td>10 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Deepak Hooda</td>
			<td>C</td>
			<td>10 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kuldeep Yadav</td>
			<td>C</td>
			<td>10 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KS Bharat</td>
			<td>C</td>
			<td>10 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Washington Sundar</td>
			<td>C</td>
			<td>10 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Arshdeep Singh</td>
			<td>C</td>
			<td>10 million</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Shikhar Dhawan, who has been dropped from the ODI setup, is one of the biggest names in Grade C. He has been replaced by Shubman Gill as Rohit's opening partner in the 50-over setup whereas he was out of the T20I line-up in late 2021 itself. Moreover, star pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's name was missing from the entire list.

All the star Indian cricketers are now gearing up for IPL 2023 edition, which kicks off on March 31 in Ahmedabad.

Ravindra Jadeja has been promoted to Grade A+ in BCCI's recently-released central contract list. Jadeja has been on a roll ever since he returned to action after a long injury layoff with superlative performances during India's home series versus Australia.

Ravindra Jadeja has been promoted to Grade A+ in BCCI's recently-released central contract list. Jadeja has been on a roll ever since he returned to action after a long injury layoff with superlative performances during India's home series versus Australia. Thus, he has joined skipper Rohit Sharma, former captain Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah in the top-grade contract (salary of INR 70 million/7 crore). KL Rahul, who got removed as the white-ball vice-captain and was dropped for the final two Tests versus Australia, has been demoted to Grade B. As many as five players have been included in Grade A (INR 50 million/5 crore) whereas there are six players in Grade B and 11 in Grade C. Check out the full list: Also Read: SA vs WI: Quinton de Kock hits maiden T20I hundred as Proteas complete highest T20I run chase in Centurion PLAYER GRADE SALARY (in INR) Rohit Sharma A+ 70 million Virat Kohli A+ 70 million Jasprit Bumrah A+ 70 million Ravindra Jadeja A+ 70 million Hardik Pandya A 50 million R Ashwin A 50 million Rishabh Pant A 50 million Axar Patel A 50 million Md Shami A 50 million Cheteshwar Pujara B 30 million KL Rahul B 30 million Shreyas Iyer B 30 million Md Siraj B 30 million Suryakumar Yadav B 30 million Shubman Gill B 30 million Shikhar Dhawan C 10 million Shardul Thakur C 10 million Yuzvendra Chahal C 10 million Umesh Yadav C 10 million Sanju Samson C 10 million Ishan Kishan C 10 million Deepak Hooda C 10 million Kuldeep Yadav C 10 million KS Bharat C 10 million Washington Sundar C 10 million Arshdeep Singh C 10 million Shikhar Dhawan, who has been dropped from the ODI setup, is one of the biggest names in Grade C. He has been replaced by Shubman Gill as Rohit's opening partner in the 50-over setup whereas he was out of the T20I line-up in late 2021 itself. Moreover, star pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's name was missing from the entire list. All the star Indian cricketers are now gearing up for IPL 2023 edition, which kicks off on March 31 in Ahmedabad.

BCCI central contracts: Ravindra Jadeja gets a PROMOTION, KL Rahul DEMOTED - Check full list

Out-of-favour India opener Shikhar Dhawan says he would have preferred Shubman Gill over him if he were to select the Indian team for the 50-over World Cup later this year. The veteran of 167 ODIs, Dhawan, said given how well young Gill is performing across two formats at this moment, picking him for the mega event will be in best interest for the Indian team.

Having made his international debut a couple of years back, Gill became a sure-starter in Tests and ODIs following his latest exploits across both formats in the past six months. After scoring his maiden Test hundred against Bangladesh during the away series in December 2022, Gill became the fifth Indian batter to notch a double ton in ODIs against New Zealand in Hyderabad early this year. He then scored two more hundreds in the same series, one in the final ODI and one in the T20I series – his first in that format.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-gujarat-titans-pacer-shivam-mavi-thinks-hardik-pandya-is-a-cool-captain-know-why-575861">IPL 2023: Gujarat Titans pacer Shivam Mavi thinks Hardik Pandya is a 'cool captain' | Know Why</a>

Speaking during an exclusive chat with Aaj Tak, Dhawan said though he is still eyeing a place in the India team for the World Cup later this year, he is aware of how well Shubman Gill is playing, adding the youngster deserves to get picked ahead of him.

“I feel the way Shubman is (playing). Like he was playing two formats and performing well in Tests and T20s. He was playing more matches in the international circuit and I wasn't... If I were the selector then definitely would have given the chance to Shubman. Would have selected Shubman over Shikhar," Dhawan told Aaj Tak.

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Shikar Dhawan On Shubman Gill❤️‍🔥 <a href="https://t.co/LVN6MoSdb9">pic.twitter.com/LVN6MoSdb9</a>
— Radhe krishna (@Viratkohli1230) <a href="https://twitter.com/Viratkohli1230/status/1639659613942423553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Elaborating further on what he thinks about his future in the Indian team, Dhawan revealed Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid did support him after taking over the reins and backed him to fight for his place in the XI.

“When Rohit took over the captaincy, he along with Rahul Dravid backed me enough. They told me they wanted me to focus on my cricket and that my vision should be the next World Cup,” Dhawan added.

Dhawan added the past year was good for him as he was consistent, but when his form dropped, Gill grabbed the chance with both hands and made the most of it. He further admitted that after Ishan Kishan made headlines by scoring his maiden double century in ODIs – the quickest among all, Dhawan feared for his place in the XI.

"2022 was very good for me, I was consistent in ODIs. But there is this young guy who has been doing well in two formats, and when my form dipped in a series or two then they gave a chance to Shubman and he has lived up to their expectation. "We are used to such situation. When Ishan Kishan slammed a double century against Bangladesh, then, for a moment, I thought I could be out of the team," said Dhawan.

The left-handed batter will be seen playing for Punjab Kings in the upcoming edition of IPL 2023, whereas, Gill will open for Gujarat Titans.

Out-of-favour India opener Shikhar Dhawan says he would have preferred Shubman Gill over him if he were to select the Indian team for the 50-over World Cup later this year.

Out-of-favour India opener Shikhar Dhawan says he would have preferred Shubman Gill over him if he were to select the Indian team for the 50-over World Cup later this year. The veteran of 167 ODIs, Dhawan, said given how well young Gill is performing across two formats at this moment, picking him for the mega event will be in best interest for the Indian team. Having made his international debut a couple of years back, Gill became a sure-starter in Tests and ODIs following his latest exploits across both formats in the past six months. After scoring his maiden Test hundred against Bangladesh during the away series in December 2022, Gill became the fifth Indian batter to notch a double ton in ODIs against New Zealand in Hyderabad early this year. He then scored two more hundreds in the same series, one in the final ODI and one in the T20I series – his first in that format. ALSO READ: IPL 2023: Gujarat Titans pacer Shivam Mavi thinks Hardik Pandya is a 'cool captain' | Know Why Speaking during an exclusive chat with Aaj Tak, Dhawan said though he is still eyeing a place in the India team for the World Cup later this year, he is aware of how well Shubman Gill is playing, adding the youngster deserves to get picked ahead of him. “I feel the way Shubman is (playing). Like he was playing two formats and performing well in Tests and T20s. He was playing more matches in the international circuit and I wasn't... If I were the selector then definitely would have given the chance to Shubman. Would have selected Shubman over Shikhar," Dhawan told Aaj Tak. Shikar Dhawan On Shubman Gill❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/LVN6MoSdb9 — Radhe krishna (@Viratkohli1230) March 25, 2023 × Elaborating further on what he thinks about his future in the Indian team, Dhawan revealed Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid did support him after taking over the reins and backed him to fight for his place in the XI. “When Rohit took over the captaincy, he along with Rahul Dravid backed me enough. They told me they wanted me to focus on my cricket and that my vision should be the next World Cup,” Dhawan added. Dhawan added the past year was good for him as he was consistent, but when his form dropped, Gill grabbed the chance with both hands and made the most of it. He further admitted that after Ishan Kishan made headlines by scoring his maiden double century in ODIs – the quickest among all, Dhawan feared for his place in the XI. "2022 was very good for me, I was consistent in ODIs. But there is this young guy who has been doing well in two formats, and when my form dipped in a series or two then they gave a chance to Shubman and he has lived up to their expectation. "We are used to such situation. When Ishan Kishan slammed a double century against Bangladesh, then, for a moment, I thought I could be out of the team," said Dhawan. The left-handed batter will be seen playing for Punjab Kings in the upcoming edition of IPL 2023, whereas, Gill will open for Gujarat Titans.

Shubman Gill over me on current form, says out-of-favour India opener as 50-over World Cup looms

With the three-match ODI series levelled at 1-1, India and Australia have locked horns in the series finale at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday (March 22). Opting to bat first, Steve Smith-led Australia were off to a flying start courtesy of in-form openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh before Hardik Pandya's three quick strikes brought India back into the game.

Hardik removed Australia's top three and could have got rid of Head a bit earlier as well had Shubman Gill not dropped a catch off the all-rounder's bowling. The incident took place in the 11th over when Head pulled a short-pitched delivery towards deep square leg with Gill stationed at the position. He went for the catch and timed his dive but could not hold on to the ball (his third drop of the series) and it went to the boundary as well. Gill's efforts didn't please captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Hardik. Here's how the duo reacted:

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashwin-lauds-kl-rahul-for-doing-very-difficult-role-with-ease-compares-him-with-ms-dhoni-yuvraj-singh-574649">Ashwin lauds KL Rahul for 'doing very difficult role with ease', compares him with MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh</a>

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— Guess Karo (@KuchNahiUkhada) <a href="https://twitter.com/KuchNahiUkhada/status/1638471826769874945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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To Gill's relief, Head fell in the same over as Kuldeeo Yadav took a sharp catch at the deep. Hardik also removed well-set Marsh (47) and accounted for stand-in captain Smith's wicket 0 (3). Gill later redeemed himself with a catch of Marcus Stoinis, who was looking dangerous at 25 (26).

Australia will hope to post anything over 265-270 to challenge Team India at the Chepauk stadium. The series is interestingly poised at 1-1 after Australia won the second and penultimate game&nbsp;by ten wickets. The home side won the series opener, in Mumbai, by five wickets.

With the three-match ODI series levelled at 1-1, India and Australia have locked horns in the series finale at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday (March 22).

With the three-match ODI series levelled at 1-1, India and Australia have locked horns in the series finale at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday (March 22). Opting to bat first, Steve Smith-led Australia were off to a flying start courtesy of in-form openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh before Hardik Pandya's three quick strikes brought India back into the game. Hardik removed Australia's top three and could have got rid of Head a bit earlier as well had Shubman Gill not dropped a catch off the all-rounder's bowling. The incident took place in the 11th over when Head pulled a short-pitched delivery towards deep square leg with Gill stationed at the position. He went for the catch and timed his dive but could not hold on to the ball (his third drop of the series) and it went to the boundary as well. Gill's efforts didn't please captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Hardik. Here's how the duo reacted: Also Read: Ashwin lauds KL Rahul for 'doing very difficult role with ease', compares him with MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh pic.twitter.com/W9saXsTI8j — Guess Karo (@KuchNahiUkhada) March 22, 2023 × To Gill's relief, Head fell in the same over as Kuldeeo Yadav took a sharp catch at the deep. Hardik also removed well-set Marsh (47) and accounted for stand-in captain Smith's wicket 0 (3). Gill later redeemed himself with a catch of Marcus Stoinis, who was looking dangerous at 25 (26). Australia will hope to post anything over 265-270 to challenge Team India at the Chepauk stadium. The series is interestingly poised at 1-1 after Australia won the second and penultimate game by ten wickets. The home side won the series opener, in Mumbai, by five wickets.

WATCH: Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya unimpressed as Shubman Gill drops a catch in Ind-Aus Chennai ODI

India is gearing up for the three-match ODI series versus Australia, which kicks off on March 17 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. In Rohit Sharma's absence, vice-captain Hardik Pandya will lead the side in the series opener. While the ODI squad sees the return of some senior players, such as Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, etc., many superstars are not part of the line-up.

Among the younger lot, Prithvi Shaw remains out of contention. He returned to the Indian side for the home New Zealand T20Is, in February, but didn't get a single game. He has been in rollicking form in the domestic circuit. He scored a majestic 379 in Ranji Trophy. He even ended as the second-highest run-getter in 2022/23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament, with 332 runs including a ton and a fifty. However, he hasn't managed to seal a spot in the Indian team across formats.

Recently, India's retired cricketer Murali Vijay opined on Shaw's omission. The former Test opener is clueless as to why the talented young batter is not playing for Team India at present.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-had-packed-our-suitcases-ex-ind-player-shares-unheard-tale-from-ganguly-cos-2001-kolkata-test-win-572156">'Packed our suitcases': Ex-India player shares UNHEARD tale from famous 2001 Kolkata Test win vs Australia</a>

On being asked about the next Indian batting superstar, Vijay told Hindustan Times, "There are 15 superstars playing for India. If you are playing for India, you are already a superstar for me. But skill-wise, I really love Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw. They are top players. Rishabh Pant has done a great job for Indian cricket as well. I wish him a speedy recovery. Shreyas Iyer is doing well."

He&nbsp;then opined on Shaw's absence and said, "I don't know why he (Shaw) is not playing now. You should ask the team management."

Shaw is gearing up for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition where he will represent the David Warner-led Delhi Capitals (DC).

India is gearing up for the three-match ODI series versus Australia, which kicks off on March 17 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. In Rohit Sharma's absence, vice-captain Hardik Pandya will lead the side in the series opener.

India is gearing up for the three-match ODI series versus Australia, which kicks off on March 17 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. In Rohit Sharma's absence, vice-captain Hardik Pandya will lead the side in the series opener. While the ODI squad sees the return of some senior players, such as Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, etc., many superstars are not part of the line-up. Among the younger lot, Prithvi Shaw remains out of contention. He returned to the Indian side for the home New Zealand T20Is, in February, but didn't get a single game. He has been in rollicking form in the domestic circuit. He scored a majestic 379 in Ranji Trophy. He even ended as the second-highest run-getter in 2022/23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament, with 332 runs including a ton and a fifty. However, he hasn't managed to seal a spot in the Indian team across formats. Recently, India's retired cricketer Murali Vijay opined on Shaw's omission. The former Test opener is clueless as to why the talented young batter is not playing for Team India at present. Also read: 'Packed our suitcases': Ex-India player shares UNHEARD tale from famous 2001 Kolkata Test win vs Australia On being asked about the next Indian batting superstar, Vijay told Hindustan Times, "There are 15 superstars playing for India. If you are playing for India, you are already a superstar for me. But skill-wise, I really love Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw. They are top players. Rishabh Pant has done a great job for Indian cricket as well. I wish him a speedy recovery. Shreyas Iyer is doing well." He then opined on Shaw's absence and said, "I don't know why he (Shaw) is not playing now. You should ask the team management." Shaw is gearing up for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition where he will represent the David Warner-led Delhi Capitals (DC).

'Don't know why he is not playing': Murali Vijay clueless about THIS star player's absence from Team India

Rohit Sharma-led India's fourth and final Test versus Australia, in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), ended in a tame draw in Ahmedabad as the hosts won the series 2-1. In the high-scoring series decider, Australia posted 480 all-out riding on centuries from Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green whereas India replied back strongly with tons from Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli (186). On Day 5, on Monday (March 13), both sides settled for a draw when Australia were 175 for 2 in the final session with no chance of any result.

There were a lot of positives for Team India in the just-concluded BGT. While the biggest positive is that India entered the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), the likes of Shubman Gill and Axar Patel also impressed and were some bright performers along with senior pros R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, captain Rohit. Former Indian batter-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar lavished huge praise on Gill and revealed 'another of his rare strengths' while comparing him with Virender Sehwag.

During a discussion on&nbsp;Star Sports, Manjrekar said, "He showed glimpses of it when he made his debut in Australia. It seemed that he is a capable player and can play Test cricket as well. We knew his fundamentals were good when we saw him in Under-19. Rahul Dravid was the coach then and was very happy with his basic abilities."

&nbsp;"The things I liked - one thing I will talk about is the footwork. The front foot is now going further forward although the trigger movement is the back foot. This will help him a lot in Test cricket," Manjrekar opined.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-does-become-kohlis-brutally-honest-reply-to-dravds-question-on-century-drought-watch-571912">'It does become...': Kohli's 'brutally honest' reply to Dravd's question on century drought - WATCH</a>

'This power game saves you in nervous moments as it did with Virender Sehwag'

Manjrekar further added, "The second thing we saw in Test cricket as well is the big game, the confidence with which he plays the lofted shots. When you see him, it seems he is a purist, a classical player to an extent, but the power game comes whenever he calls for it. In this match also he played a lofted shot in the nineties to go close to a hundred. He reached his (ODI) double hundred also with a six. This power game saves you in nervous moments as it did with Virender Sehwag. I didn't know about this but now it has come to the fore that this is another of his rare strengths."

Gill will now shift his focus on the ODI series versus Australia, which kicks off in Mumbai on March 17. After that, he will gear up for defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2023, which commences on March 31 in Ahmedabad.

Rohit Sharma-led India's fourth and final Test versus Australia, in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), ended in a tame draw in Ahmedabad as the hosts won the series 2-1.

Rohit Sharma-led India's fourth and final Test versus Australia, in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), ended in a tame draw in Ahmedabad as the hosts won the series 2-1. In the high-scoring series decider, Australia posted 480 all-out riding on centuries from Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green whereas India replied back strongly with tons from Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli (186). On Day 5, on Monday (March 13), both sides settled for a draw when Australia were 175 for 2 in the final session with no chance of any result. There were a lot of positives for Team India in the just-concluded BGT. While the biggest positive is that India entered the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), the likes of Shubman Gill and Axar Patel also impressed and were some bright performers along with senior pros R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, captain Rohit. Former Indian batter-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar lavished huge praise on Gill and revealed 'another of his rare strengths' while comparing him with Virender Sehwag. During a discussion on Star Sports, Manjrekar said, "He showed glimpses of it when he made his debut in Australia. It seemed that he is a capable player and can play Test cricket as well. We knew his fundamentals were good when we saw him in Under-19. Rahul Dravid was the coach then and was very happy with his basic abilities." "The things I liked - one thing I will talk about is the footwork. The front foot is now going further forward although the trigger movement is the back foot. This will help him a lot in Test cricket," Manjrekar opined. Also Read: 'It does become...': Kohli's 'brutally honest' reply to Dravd's question on century drought - WATCH 'This power game saves you in nervous moments as it did with Virender Sehwag' Manjrekar further added, "The second thing we saw in Test cricket as well is the big game, the confidence with which he plays the lofted shots. When you see him, it seems he is a purist, a classical player to an extent, but the power game comes whenever he calls for it. In this match also he played a lofted shot in the nineties to go close to a hundred. He reached his (ODI) double hundred also with a six. This power game saves you in nervous moments as it did with Virender Sehwag. I didn't know about this but now it has come to the fore that this is another of his rare strengths." Gill will now shift his focus on the ODI series versus Australia, which kicks off in Mumbai on March 17. After that, he will gear up for defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2023, which commences on March 31 in Ahmedabad.

Ind vs Aus: Sanjay Manjrekar lavishes huge praise on Shubman Gill, reveals 'another of his rare strengths'

India's head coach Rahul Dravid, after the Ahmedabad Test, which ended in a draw, lauded opening batsman Shubman Gill, saying he's a really exciting addition to the Indian team and that he's maturing with the time.

“It’s been a really exciting 4-5 months for Shubman, just sort of breaking into the T20I side and scoring a hundred. Doing the same in one-day cricket and then capping that off with good performances in the last two Test matches. So, obviously, for us, it is really exciting for a young player to come through. He’s maturing and has been around the team for the last few years,” said Dravid.

Gill scored a defining century in the just-drawn Ahmedabad Test, his second in the Tests, which laid a platform for next batsmen to eventually get India a lead of 91 runs in the first innings. Gill scored 128 runs off 235 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-2023-twitterati-go-gaga-as-new-zealand-beat-sri-lanka-on-last-ball-by-2-wickets-taking-india-into-final-571574">WTC 2023: Twitterati go GAGA as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka on last ball by 2 wickets, taking India into final</a>

Dravid also praised Gill for taking responsibility and called it 'a great sign for us.'

“It’s just great to see him taking on that responsibility and putting in the kind of performances that are up to the standards that are in demand. It’s a great sign for us and long may it continue. He’s a lovely player, who works very hard on his skills,” the former India batsman added.

The Border-Gavaskar trophy&nbsp;was retained by India after winning the series&nbsp;2-1 as the players from both sides decided to end the game in a draw, shortly after Tea on Day 5. Both the teams, however, made it to the World Test Championship (WTC) final to be played in England in June.

Australia had booked their berth much earlier than India, who had to either win the Ahmedabad Test or hope for Sri Lanka to lose or draw their two-Test series against New Zealand, currently ongoing in New Zealand.

Much to India's fortune, New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in the first Test on Monday in what was one of the most thrilling Tests of all time as the Kiwis claimed a last-ball win.

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India's head coach Rahul Dravid, after the Ahmedabad Test, which ended in a draw, lauded opening batsman Shubman Gill, saying he's a really exciting addition to the Indian team and that he's maturing with the time.

India's head coach Rahul Dravid, after the Ahmedabad Test, which ended in a draw, lauded opening batsman Shubman Gill, saying he's a really exciting addition to the Indian team and that he's maturing with the time. “It’s been a really exciting 4-5 months for Shubman, just sort of breaking into the T20I side and scoring a hundred. Doing the same in one-day cricket and then capping that off with good performances in the last two Test matches. So, obviously, for us, it is really exciting for a young player to come through. He’s maturing and has been around the team for the last few years,” said Dravid. Gill scored a defining century in the just-drawn Ahmedabad Test, his second in the Tests, which laid a platform for next batsmen to eventually get India a lead of 91 runs in the first innings. Gill scored 128 runs off 235 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six. Also Read: WTC 2023: Twitterati go GAGA as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka on last ball by 2 wickets, taking India into final Dravid also praised Gill for taking responsibility and called it 'a great sign for us.' “It’s just great to see him taking on that responsibility and putting in the kind of performances that are up to the standards that are in demand. It’s a great sign for us and long may it continue. He’s a lovely player, who works very hard on his skills,” the former India batsman added. The Border-Gavaskar trophy was retained by India after winning the series 2-1 as the players from both sides decided to end the game in a draw, shortly after Tea on Day 5. Both the teams, however, made it to the World Test Championship (WTC) final to be played in England in June. Australia had booked their berth much earlier than India, who had to either win the Ahmedabad Test or hope for Sri Lanka to lose or draw their two-Test series against New Zealand, currently ongoing in New Zealand. Much to India's fortune, New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in the first Test on Monday in what was one of the most thrilling Tests of all time as the Kiwis claimed a last-ball win. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Long may it continue...': India coach Rahul Dravid praises THIS exciting young player after Australia Tests

A maiden Border-Gavaskar Trophy hundred for opener Shubman Gill powered India to 289 for three at stumps on day three of the final Test in Ahmedabad. Not only him, former India captain Virat Kohli also notched up his first fifty of the series. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara also chipped in with handy knocks of 35 and 42, respectively.

India began day three with both openers taking down the lone Aussie seamer Mitchell Starc, who kept bowling defensive line and length early on. Barring odd boundaries around fine leg area, it was Rohit’s trade-mark pull shot off Starc that saw the crowd go crazy. However, for the nth time in this series, Rohit gave away his wicket to Matthew Kuhnemann on 35 after a good start.

Standing tall on the other hand, Gill continued playing his short-arm jabs and kept churning out fours off bad deliveries. His partner Cheteshwar Pujara played a typical Pujara innings, tiring the Aussies in the 40 degree heat at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/daryl-mitchells-102-keep-new-zealand-alive-in-first-test-as-wtc-finals-spot-looms-over-for-india-sri-lanka-570870">Daryl Mitchell's 102 keeps New Zealand alive in first Test as WTC final's spot looms over for India, Sri Lanka</a>

In the meantime, Gill notched up his first Test hundred against Australia and soon after Todd Murphy trapped Pujara in front with a straight one on 42. Then walked down Virat Kohli who looked confident in turning tables around this time.

As both started to look comfortable out there, the experienced Nathan Lyon came up with a beauty of a delivery to dismiss Gill on 128 off 235 balls. Like Pujara, Gill was also found wanting while playing a wrong line as he was caught plumb in front.

For the second time in two Tests, Ravindra Jadeja was sent ahead of batter Shreyas Iyer, and this ploy worked well for India as both Kohli and Jadeja kept rotating strike, further frustrating the Aussies.

Before stumps on day three, Virat also brought up his first fifty, the first since January 2022, much to the delight of everyone present inside the stadium. India ended day three on 289 for three as they still train by 191 runs.

Meanwhile, for India to punch their ticket for the WTC final, they need to beat Australia in this Test or else hope for New Zealand to beat Sri Lanka in at least one match in the home series.

A maiden Border-Gavaskar Trophy hundred for opener Shubman Gill powered India to 289 for three at stumps on day three of the final Test in Ahmedabad. Not only him, former India captain Virat Kohli also notched up his first fifty of the series.

A maiden Border-Gavaskar Trophy hundred for opener Shubman Gill powered India to 289 for three at stumps on day three of the final Test in Ahmedabad. Not only him, former India captain Virat Kohli also notched up his first fifty of the series. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara also chipped in with handy knocks of 35 and 42, respectively. India began day three with both openers taking down the lone Aussie seamer Mitchell Starc, who kept bowling defensive line and length early on. Barring odd boundaries around fine leg area, it was Rohit’s trade-mark pull shot off Starc that saw the crowd go crazy. However, for the nth time in this series, Rohit gave away his wicket to Matthew Kuhnemann on 35 after a good start. Standing tall on the other hand, Gill continued playing his short-arm jabs and kept churning out fours off bad deliveries. His partner Cheteshwar Pujara played a typical Pujara innings, tiring the Aussies in the 40 degree heat at the Narendra Modi Stadium. ALSO READ: Daryl Mitchell's 102 keeps New Zealand alive in first Test as WTC final's spot looms over for India, Sri Lanka In the meantime, Gill notched up his first Test hundred against Australia and soon after Todd Murphy trapped Pujara in front with a straight one on 42. Then walked down Virat Kohli who looked confident in turning tables around this time. As both started to look comfortable out there, the experienced Nathan Lyon came up with a beauty of a delivery to dismiss Gill on 128 off 235 balls. Like Pujara, Gill was also found wanting while playing a wrong line as he was caught plumb in front. For the second time in two Tests, Ravindra Jadeja was sent ahead of batter Shreyas Iyer, and this ploy worked well for India as both Kohli and Jadeja kept rotating strike, further frustrating the Aussies. Before stumps on day three, Virat also brought up his first fifty, the first since January 2022, much to the delight of everyone present inside the stadium. India ended day three on 289 for three as they still train by 191 runs. Meanwhile, for India to punch their ticket for the WTC final, they need to beat Australia in this Test or else hope for New Zealand to beat Sri Lanka in at least one match in the home series.

IND vs AUS, 4th Test, day 3: India crawl back into Ahmedabad Test with Shubman Gill's maiden BGT century

The members of the Indian cricket team were seen painting the team camp as they celebrated Holi before their high-voltage clash against Australia. The members of the Indian team including Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and others were wrapped in colours as they were seen in the festive vibes. India will play Australia in the fourth Test match of the series and will be in search of a win to guarantee a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> wishes you all a very Happy Holi 🙌🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyHoli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyHoli</a> <a href="https://t.co/RdcVrNpfoB">pic.twitter.com/RdcVrNpfoB</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1633088721728991233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared pictures of the players on its Twitter handle as the players were seen in a party mood. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan and skipper Rohit Sharma were part of the celebration. Joining the players were members of backroom staff Vikram Rathour and Paras Mhambrey as they too were part of the celebrating Indian side. The players and the staff members were wrapped in colours before they take to the field on Thursday, March 9.

<h3>Shami to Return?</h3>

Ace Indian seamer Mohammed Shami is all set to return to the playing XI for the final Test against Australia in Ahmedabad as India eye a slot in the finals of the WTC. Shami was rested for the third Test in Indore as part of the workload management drill by the BCCI and team management for the key players who are in the scheme of things for the 50-over World Cup.

As India currently lead the four-match series 2-1, having lost the previous match at the Holkar Stadium by nine wickets on a wicket that ICC rated ‘poor’, they will aim to win the final Test and qualify directly for the finals of WTC for the second time. As of now, only Australia has qualified for the WTC final, which is scheduled to take place at the Oval in London on June 7th.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-4th-test-pm-modi-to-attend-day-1-of-ahmedabad-test-with-australian-pm-anthony-albanese-569592">IND vs AUS 4th Test: PM Modi to attend Day 1 of Ahmedabad Test with Australian PM Anthony Albanese</a>

<h3>Team India Squad for Ahmedabad Test</h3>

Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, S Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, R Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohd Siraj, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat

The members of the Indian cricket team were seen painting the team camp as they celebrated Holi before their high-voltage clash against Australia. The members of the Indian team including Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and others were wrapped in colours as they were seen in the festive vibes.

The members of the Indian cricket team were seen painting the team camp as they celebrated Holi before their high-voltage clash against Australia. The members of the Indian team including Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and others were wrapped in colours as they were seen in the festive vibes. India will play Australia in the fourth Test match of the series and will be in search of a win to guarantee a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. #TeamIndia wishes you all a very Happy Holi 🙌🙌#HappyHoli pic.twitter.com/RdcVrNpfoB — BCCI (@BCCI) March 7, 2023 × The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared pictures of the players on its Twitter handle as the players were seen in a party mood. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan and skipper Rohit Sharma were part of the celebration. Joining the players were members of backroom staff Vikram Rathour and Paras Mhambrey as they too were part of the celebrating Indian side. The players and the staff members were wrapped in colours before they take to the field on Thursday, March 9. Shami to Return? Ace Indian seamer Mohammed Shami is all set to return to the playing XI for the final Test against Australia in Ahmedabad as India eye a slot in the finals of the WTC. Shami was rested for the third Test in Indore as part of the workload management drill by the BCCI and team management for the key players who are in the scheme of things for the 50-over World Cup. As India currently lead the four-match series 2-1, having lost the previous match at the Holkar Stadium by nine wickets on a wicket that ICC rated ‘poor’, they will aim to win the final Test and qualify directly for the finals of WTC for the second time. As of now, only Australia has qualified for the WTC final, which is scheduled to take place at the Oval in London on June 7th. ALSO READ | IND vs AUS 4th Test: PM Modi to attend Day 1 of Ahmedabad Test with Australian PM Anthony Albanese Team India Squad for Ahmedabad Test Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, S Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, R Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohd Siraj, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Team India goes full of colours as players, staff celebrate Holi ahead of Ahmedabad clash

Rohit Sharma-led India lost the Indore Test versus Australia as the visitors kept the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive with hosts leading 2-1, ahead of the final match in Ahmedabad. Rohit &amp; Co. received a setback but will be hungry for success in the series decider, which kicks off on March 09 (Thursday), to not only win the series 3-1 but also qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

With Australia having already qualified for the WTC final, following their win in Indore, they will come hard versus the Indian team. Ahead of the Ahmedabad Test, former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting has urged the Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led Indian team to consider making one big change in their batting line-up if they reach the WTC finale, to be held at The Oval, London on June 07-11.

With conditions being different in England, as compared to the sub-continent, Ponting feels India should go ahead with both out-of-form KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. "With someone like KL Rahul having gone out of this side and Shubman Gill having come in, both these guys have played a bit of Test match cricket, and you could potentially have both of those guys in the same team," Ponting told ICC.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nz-vs-sl-explained-how-sri-lanka-can-play-spoilsport-to-indias-wtc-final-chances-569483">NZ vs SL: EXPLAINED! How Sri Lanka can play spoilsport to India's WTC final chances</a>

"Maybe Shubman could start at the top and KL could potentially move down into the middle order, because he's played cricket in those (English) conditions before, albeit at the top of the order," he added.

Gill replaced Rahul in India's playing XI for the third and penultimate Test in Indore versus Australia. Rahul has been in woeful form in whites, managing only 192 runs in last 12 innings, but his replacement Gill also fell flat in both the innings of the Indore Test match. The young right-hander managed scores of 21 anf 5 as India lost by nine wickets in a low-scoring match.

It will be interesting to see if India go back to Rahul or persist with Gill for the final Test. It is highly unlikely that India will go ahead with both of them in the playing XI for the Ahmedabad Test.

Rohit Sharma-led India lost the Indore Test versus Australia as the visitors kept the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive with hosts leading 2-1, ahead of the final match in Ahmedabad.

Rohit Sharma-led India lost the Indore Test versus Australia as the visitors kept the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive with hosts leading 2-1, ahead of the final match in Ahmedabad. Rohit & Co. received a setback but will be hungry for success in the series decider, which kicks off on March 09 (Thursday), to not only win the series 3-1 but also qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. With Australia having already qualified for the WTC final, following their win in Indore, they will come hard versus the Indian team. Ahead of the Ahmedabad Test, former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting has urged the Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led Indian team to consider making one big change in their batting line-up if they reach the WTC finale, to be held at The Oval, London on June 07-11. With conditions being different in England, as compared to the sub-continent, Ponting feels India should go ahead with both out-of-form KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. "With someone like KL Rahul having gone out of this side and Shubman Gill having come in, both these guys have played a bit of Test match cricket, and you could potentially have both of those guys in the same team," Ponting told ICC. Also read: NZ vs SL: EXPLAINED! How Sri Lanka can play spoilsport to India's WTC final chances "Maybe Shubman could start at the top and KL could potentially move down into the middle order, because he's played cricket in those (English) conditions before, albeit at the top of the order," he added. Gill replaced Rahul in India's playing XI for the third and penultimate Test in Indore versus Australia. Rahul has been in woeful form in whites, managing only 192 runs in last 12 innings, but his replacement Gill also fell flat in both the innings of the Indore Test match. The young right-hander managed scores of 21 anf 5 as India lost by nine wickets in a low-scoring match. It will be interesting to see if India go back to Rahul or persist with Gill for the final Test. It is highly unlikely that India will go ahead with both of them in the playing XI for the Ahmedabad Test.

Ricky Ponting urges Team India to make a big change in batting order if they enter WTC final

Indian batters fell flat in both innings of the ongoing third and penultimate Test versus Australia, being held at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Winning the toss, on Wednesday (March 01), captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first but India only managed a paltry 109. In reply, Indian bowlers -- led by Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav and R Ashwin -- managed to dismiss the Aussies for 197 but another poor show from the Indian batters, in their second essay, led to the home side bundling out for 163 at stumps on Day 2; setting up a mere 76-run target&nbsp;on Thursday (March 02).

With India starring on the brink of a heavy defeat in Indore, many former cricketers and fans have pointed fingers at Indian batters' flop showing in the entire Test. The likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, etc. fell flat whereas only Cheteshwar Pujara managed a fighting 59 in the second innings. Talking about Shubman Gill -- who has been in splendid form in white-ball format -- came into the playing XI in place of out-of-form KL Rahul. All eyes were on him but Gill returned with scores of 21 and 5. In the second innings, he danced down the track, off Nathan Lyon (who ended with 8 for 64), but was completely outfoxed by the off-spinner and departed&nbsp;for 5. Many criticised Gill's ploy but former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed the youngster.

“See, the game plan is simple here. You can't survive on this pitch with defence. Pujara was using his feet throughout his innings. If you're thinking that you can wait out for a spell and score runs later, it won't work. Even if you're playing on 70-80 on this pitch, you can get out with just one odd delivery,” Harbhajan said on Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the match.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-steve-smith-pulls-off-a-stunner-to-dismiss-cheteshwar-pujara-on-day-2-of-indore-test-567669">WATCH: Steve Smith pulls off a stunner to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara on Day 2 of Indore Test</a>

“You have to look out for the opportunity to score runs. You need to see where you can get a four. Shubman wanted to go for a six, and when you consider the pitch condition here, his approach was right because you can't defend on this pitch for long,” Harbhajan further added.

Day 3 will commence on Friday (March 03) with Rohit &amp; Co. defending 76 runs in the final innings. Steve Smith-led Australia are on the cusp of winning the game and keeping the four-match series alive with a 2-1 scoreline.

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&nbsp;

Indian batters fell flat in both innings of the ongoing third and penultimate Test versus Australia, being held at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Winning the toss, on Wednesday (March 01), captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first but India only managed a paltry 109.

Indian batters fell flat in both innings of the ongoing third and penultimate Test versus Australia, being held at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Winning the toss, on Wednesday (March 01), captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first but India only managed a paltry 109. In reply, Indian bowlers -- led by Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav and R Ashwin -- managed to dismiss the Aussies for 197 but another poor show from the Indian batters, in their second essay, led to the home side bundling out for 163 at stumps on Day 2; setting up a mere 76-run target on Thursday (March 02). With India starring on the brink of a heavy defeat in Indore, many former cricketers and fans have pointed fingers at Indian batters' flop showing in the entire Test. The likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, etc. fell flat whereas only Cheteshwar Pujara managed a fighting 59 in the second innings. Talking about Shubman Gill -- who has been in splendid form in white-ball format -- came into the playing XI in place of out-of-form KL Rahul. All eyes were on him but Gill returned with scores of 21 and 5. In the second innings, he danced down the track, off Nathan Lyon (who ended with 8 for 64), but was completely outfoxed by the off-spinner and departed for 5. Many criticised Gill's ploy but former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed the youngster. “See, the game plan is simple here. You can't survive on this pitch with defence. Pujara was using his feet throughout his innings. If you're thinking that you can wait out for a spell and score runs later, it won't work. Even if you're playing on 70-80 on this pitch, you can get out with just one odd delivery,” Harbhajan said on Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the match. Also Read: WATCH: Steve Smith pulls off a stunner to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara on Day 2 of Indore Test “You have to look out for the opportunity to score runs. You need to see where you can get a four. Shubman wanted to go for a six, and when you consider the pitch condition here, his approach was right because you can't defend on this pitch for long,” Harbhajan further added. Day 3 will commence on Friday (March 03) with Rohit & Co. defending 76 runs in the final innings. Steve Smith-led Australia are on the cusp of winning the game and keeping the four-match series alive with a 2-1 scoreline. ×

'His approach was...': Harbhajan defends India's star batter despite poor outings in Indore Test vs Australia

Since the time Shubman Gill scored his maiden ODI double hundred against New Zealand early this year, he’s been everywhere except in the playing XI against Australia in the Test series. Rather confused with the management’s call to play struggling KL Rahul over Gill, the fans were left wondering for the answers. Sourav Ganguly, one of India’s greatest captains and an ex-BCCI President recently spoke on this matter and said though there is no doubt that Gill is a tremendous batter and that’s why he’s playing all the formats, he still has to wait for his turn in Tests.

Having led teams across formats during his time, Ganguly understands the selection process better than many other; and on that he said when Gill’s time will come, he would get a lot of chances.

"I am sure when his time comes, he will also get a lot of opportunities," Ganguly said. "I think the selectors, the captain and the coach think of him and rate him very highly. That's why he is playing ODIs and T20Is, and he has performed as well,” Ganguly said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"But at the present moment, perhaps message from team management is that he has to wait," Dada, as Ganguly’s fans used to call him, added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-almost-fit-enough-mitchell-starc-raring-to-hit-deck-in-indore-test-566319">IND vs AUS: Almost fit-enough Mitchell Starc raring to hit deck in Indore Test</a>

Warming the benches in the first two Tests with the team deciding to go ahead with KL Rahul as the opener, Gill will probably get into contention for the third Test that begins on March 1st in Indore.

Meanwhile, in both Nagpur and Delhi, openers from both teams struggled to get going barring the India captain Rohit Sharma, who scored a match-winning hundred in the first innings of Nagpur Test. More so, that after Rohit, who is leading the runs chart in the Border-Gavaskar series, bowling all-rounder Axar Patel is second on the list. Other than them, the performer with the bat had been Ravindra Jadeja, who scored 77 in Nagpur.

Talking about playing spin on such tracks where matches got finished inside three days on both occasions, Ganguly said,

"These are very tough wickets. I saw in the first two Tests and it's not easy, boss," Ganguly said. "Playing Ashwin, Jadeja, Lyon and the new guy, Todd Murphy, it is never easy with odd ball turning square. There is unevenness, there is everything happening for spinners," Ganguly added.

Since the time Shubman Gill scored his maiden ODI double hundred against New Zealand early this year, he’s been everywhere except in the playing XI against Australia in the Test series.

Since the time Shubman Gill scored his maiden ODI double hundred against New Zealand early this year, he’s been everywhere except in the playing XI against Australia in the Test series. Rather confused with the management’s call to play struggling KL Rahul over Gill, the fans were left wondering for the answers. Sourav Ganguly, one of India’s greatest captains and an ex-BCCI President recently spoke on this matter and said though there is no doubt that Gill is a tremendous batter and that’s why he’s playing all the formats, he still has to wait for his turn in Tests. Having led teams across formats during his time, Ganguly understands the selection process better than many other; and on that he said when Gill’s time will come, he would get a lot of chances. "I am sure when his time comes, he will also get a lot of opportunities," Ganguly said. "I think the selectors, the captain and the coach think of him and rate him very highly. That's why he is playing ODIs and T20Is, and he has performed as well,” Ganguly said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "But at the present moment, perhaps message from team management is that he has to wait," Dada, as Ganguly’s fans used to call him, added. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Almost fit-enough Mitchell Starc raring to hit deck in Indore Test Warming the benches in the first two Tests with the team deciding to go ahead with KL Rahul as the opener, Gill will probably get into contention for the third Test that begins on March 1st in Indore. Meanwhile, in both Nagpur and Delhi, openers from both teams struggled to get going barring the India captain Rohit Sharma, who scored a match-winning hundred in the first innings of Nagpur Test. More so, that after Rohit, who is leading the runs chart in the Border-Gavaskar series, bowling all-rounder Axar Patel is second on the list. Other than them, the performer with the bat had been Ravindra Jadeja, who scored 77 in Nagpur. Talking about playing spin on such tracks where matches got finished inside three days on both occasions, Ganguly said, "These are very tough wickets. I saw in the first two Tests and it's not easy, boss," Ganguly said. "Playing Ashwin, Jadeja, Lyon and the new guy, Todd Murphy, it is never easy with odd ball turning square. There is unevenness, there is everything happening for spinners," Ganguly added.

'When his time will come I am sure he will get lots of opportunities,' says Sourav Ganguly on Shubman Gill

A lot has already been said and predicted about India's best XI for the first Test against Australia in Nagpur. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain while addressing the presser spoke on the India's possible XI and even responded to negative criticism surrounding Test match wickets in India, especially the one prepared for the 1st Test - that is accused of being 'doctored' for getting unfair home advantage. Rohit also confirmed that it is only after assessing the surface and the conditions, a call on the final XI will be made.&nbsp;

Ahead of the first home Test&nbsp;in this season, Rohit said with almost everyone performing at the same time it becomes a tad difficult to pick and drop someone on the same grounds.&nbsp;

"It's going to be a tough one. We know a lot of guys are in good form, that's a good sign for the team. You have selection issues and it says a lot about the guys performing. That's quite crucial from the team's perspective, what we have to do is go to each venue, see the pitch and pick the best eleven. We have been doing that in the past and we will be doing that going forward," Rohit said at the presser in Nagpur.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/battle-of-aces-marnus-labuschagne-ready-for-round-2-against-ravichandran-ashwin-559944">Battle of Aces - Marnus Labuschagne ready for round 2 against Ravichandran Ashwin</a>

The veteran batter also revealed that the team selection will be done purely on the basis of conditions, and that everyone in the camp is made aware of this.&nbsp;

"Message to the boys is very clear. We are ready to play horses for courses. Whichever pitch, whoever we need, we have to bring them in. As simple as that. That is something we have spoken to the guys. We will have to assess conditions and see who are the right guys, so we are quite open with all options," the captain added.

Without spilling beans on what India's final XI would look like, Rohit heaped some praises on the talented duo of Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, both of who are fighting for that one place in the middle order. Talking about the young Gill, Rohit said his recent exploits cannot be overlooked while Surya being such a rockstar in T20 format brings a lot to the table.&nbsp;

"They bring different things to the table for us. Gill we all know has been in supreme form in the last three to four months. Lots of big hundreds as well. Surya has shown in T20s what he is capable of and what sort of game he can bring to Test cricket as well. Both are quality options for us and we haven't yet decided who will play among the two guys, keep in mind all aspects of the game. I will not give you guys anything today," Rohit added.&nbsp;

Sharing his thoughts on the pitch critics - mainly from Australia, Rohit said the focus should remain on playing good cricket and not on how the pitch will play.

"I just feel, focus is on playing the game. Last series we played here, a lot was spoken about pitches and all 22 are quality cricketers and not bothered about how much it is turning, how much it is seaming and all that," Rohit said.

A lot has already been said and predicted about India's best XI for the first Test against Australia in Nagpur. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain while addressing the presser spoke on the India's possible XI and even responded to negative criticism surrounding Test match wickets in India, especially the one prepared for the 1st Test - that is accused of being 'doctored' for getting unfair home advantage.

A lot has already been said and predicted about India's best XI for the first Test against Australia in Nagpur. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain while addressing the presser spoke on the India's possible XI and even responded to negative criticism surrounding Test match wickets in India, especially the one prepared for the 1st Test - that is accused of being 'doctored' for getting unfair home advantage. Rohit also confirmed that it is only after assessing the surface and the conditions, a call on the final XI will be made. Ahead of the first home Test in this season, Rohit said with almost everyone performing at the same time it becomes a tad difficult to pick and drop someone on the same grounds. "It's going to be a tough one. We know a lot of guys are in good form, that's a good sign for the team. You have selection issues and it says a lot about the guys performing. That's quite crucial from the team's perspective, what we have to do is go to each venue, see the pitch and pick the best eleven. We have been doing that in the past and we will be doing that going forward," Rohit said at the presser in Nagpur. ALSO READ: Battle of Aces - Marnus Labuschagne ready for round 2 against Ravichandran Ashwin The veteran batter also revealed that the team selection will be done purely on the basis of conditions, and that everyone in the camp is made aware of this. "Message to the boys is very clear. We are ready to play horses for courses. Whichever pitch, whoever we need, we have to bring them in. As simple as that. That is something we have spoken to the guys. We will have to assess conditions and see who are the right guys, so we are quite open with all options," the captain added. Without spilling beans on what India's final XI would look like, Rohit heaped some praises on the talented duo of Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, both of who are fighting for that one place in the middle order. Talking about the young Gill, Rohit said his recent exploits cannot be overlooked while Surya being such a rockstar in T20 format brings a lot to the table. "They bring different things to the table for us. Gill we all know has been in supreme form in the last three to four months. Lots of big hundreds as well. Surya has shown in T20s what he is capable of and what sort of game he can bring to Test cricket as well. Both are quality options for us and we haven't yet decided who will play among the two guys, keep in mind all aspects of the game. I will not give you guys anything today," Rohit added. Sharing his thoughts on the pitch critics - mainly from Australia, Rohit said the focus should remain on playing good cricket and not on how the pitch will play. "I just feel, focus is on playing the game. Last series we played here, a lot was spoken about pitches and all 22 are quality cricketers and not bothered about how much it is turning, how much it is seaming and all that," Rohit said.

'It's going to be tough one': Rohit Sharma on picking 'right guy for right game' during Australia series

In absence of injured Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, India will be forced to make a few changes to their XI for the first Test against Australia in Nagpur. As KL Rahul has also returned to the setup, he is likely to take the opening slot alongside captain Rohit Sharma, whereas, KS Bharat is likely to start ahead of Ishan Kishan for&nbsp;the keeper-batter role at least in the first two Tests. So that leaves team management with just one slot to fill - the number 5th, for which two players are competing for - Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill.&nbsp;

While there is a temptation to start with Suryakumar given his different array of shots and his ability to put the opposition under pressure, a former national selector Devang Gandhi feels the head coach Rahul Dravid could be prompted to play the man-in-form Shubman Gill at number five instead.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-sanjay-manjrekar-predicts-this-star-player-to-make-the-cut-in-xi-for-nagpur-test-559684">IND vs AUS: Sanjay Manjrekar predicts THIS star player to make the cut in XI for Nagpur Test</a>

Gandhi said&nbsp;as the young right-hander had scored a double hundred for India 'A' against the Windies playing in the middle-order, and had also scored a hundred in the previous series against Bangladesh too, he could just get the nod ahead of Suryakumar. While talking to Times of India (TOI), the ex-national selector&nbsp;said,

“Shubman had a double hundred in West Indies playing for India ‘A’ in the middle-order. And in the last Test series that he played (against Bangladesh), he got a century. The fact that Gill plays spin as good as anybody else in the Indian team should also work in his favour, at least in the first Test," Gandhi said.

On the other hand, India is also expected to play three spinners on a dry Nagpur track, and with Jadeja and Ashwin sure to start, it will be a toss-up between Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. While a few feel the Chinaman, Kuldeep deserves an extended run in this format considering his recent exploits across formats, Gandhi has a different view to it. He said India must go ahead with Axar Patel as he has&nbsp;proved himself on these pitches and can bat too, giving India an edge over their opposition.&nbsp;

“We should not forget that Axar, who is a finger spinner similar to Jadeja, has been phenomenal on dry Indian tracks. He can keep an end tight. Add to that his batting ability, which can be crucial on a pitch like this,” Gandhi added.

The first of the four-match Test series is about to begin on Thursday, February 9th in Nagpur while Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmadabad to host remaining three Tests.

In absence of injured Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, India will be forced to make a few changes to their XI for the first Test against Australia in Nagpur. As KL Rahul has also returned to the setup, he is likely to take the opening slot alongside captain Rohit Sharma, whereas, KS Bharat is likely to start ahead of Ishan Kishan for the keeper-batter role at least in the first two Tests.

In absence of injured Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, India will be forced to make a few changes to their XI for the first Test against Australia in Nagpur. As KL Rahul has also returned to the setup, he is likely to take the opening slot alongside captain Rohit Sharma, whereas, KS Bharat is likely to start ahead of Ishan Kishan for the keeper-batter role at least in the first two Tests. So that leaves team management with just one slot to fill - the number 5th, for which two players are competing for - Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill. While there is a temptation to start with Suryakumar given his different array of shots and his ability to put the opposition under pressure, a former national selector Devang Gandhi feels the head coach Rahul Dravid could be prompted to play the man-in-form Shubman Gill at number five instead. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Sanjay Manjrekar predicts THIS star player to make the cut in XI for Nagpur Test Gandhi said as the young right-hander had scored a double hundred for India 'A' against the Windies playing in the middle-order, and had also scored a hundred in the previous series against Bangladesh too, he could just get the nod ahead of Suryakumar. While talking to Times of India (TOI), the ex-national selector said, “Shubman had a double hundred in West Indies playing for India ‘A’ in the middle-order. And in the last Test series that he played (against Bangladesh), he got a century. The fact that Gill plays spin as good as anybody else in the Indian team should also work in his favour, at least in the first Test," Gandhi said. On the other hand, India is also expected to play three spinners on a dry Nagpur track, and with Jadeja and Ashwin sure to start, it will be a toss-up between Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. While a few feel the Chinaman, Kuldeep deserves an extended run in this format considering his recent exploits across formats, Gandhi has a different view to it. He said India must go ahead with Axar Patel as he has proved himself on these pitches and can bat too, giving India an edge over their opposition. “We should not forget that Axar, who is a finger spinner similar to Jadeja, has been phenomenal on dry Indian tracks. He can keep an end tight. Add to that his batting ability, which can be crucial on a pitch like this,” Gandhi added. The first of the four-match Test series is about to begin on Thursday, February 9th in Nagpur while Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmadabad to host remaining three Tests.

'Dravid will be tempted to play Shubman Gill at 5 given his recent records,' says ex-national selector

Following spectacular shows in the white-ball series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the past month, India’s duo of Shubman Gill and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj are nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for January. New Zealand’s Devon Conway is the third player to be nominated for the particular award. While Shubman had a dream run at least in the ODIs against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, Siraj stood out as India’s best seamer across both formats.

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Three incredible performers have made the shortlist for ICC Men's Player of the Month for January 2023 👌
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During the final ODI against Sri Lanka, the young Shubman Gill scored his third&nbsp;hundred while against New Zealand in the following 1st match of their bilateral series in Hyderabad, he scored his maiden double century&nbsp;– scoring 208. In the 3rd match&nbsp;at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, Gill&nbsp;completed yet another three-figure score (112), ending the New Zealand ODIs with 360 runs to his name, which is the highest-ever for a batter in a three-match ODI series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/injured-cameron-green-didnt-bat-in-nets-in-nagpur-remains-unlikely-to-feature-in-xi-for-1st-test-559572">Injured Cameron Green didn't bat in nets in Nagpur, remains unlikely to feature in XI for 1st Test</a>

Even against Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series&nbsp;before that, Gill had scored 207 runs including a hundred in the final game in Thiruvananthapuram. In total, he scored 567 runs at an average of 113.40 in ODIs in January in addition to scoring 76 runs in T20Is.

Mohammed Siraj, on the other hand, picked up nine wickets in three ODIs against the Lankans that included a match-winning performance of 4-32&nbsp;in the final game. During&nbsp;New Zealand ODIs, Siraj was the second-highest wicket-taker with six wickets to his name. In the first match, it was his spell of four for 46 that helped India win the close clash by 12 runs.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Devon Conway also had a pretty good start to 2023 – where he scored two ODI hundreds – one against Pakistan in Karachi and one against India in Indore. Even in the one Test played last month, Conway slammed a hundred there too – scoring 122 in the first innings at the National Stadium. With three hundreds and two fifties, Conway finished January 2023 with 493 runs in nine international matches.

Following spectacular shows in the white-ball series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the past month, India’s duo of Shubman Gill and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj are nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for January.

Following spectacular shows in the white-ball series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the past month, India’s duo of Shubman Gill and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj are nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for January. New Zealand’s Devon Conway is the third player to be nominated for the particular award. While Shubman had a dream run at least in the ODIs against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, Siraj stood out as India’s best seamer across both formats. 🇮🇳 🇳🇿 🇮🇳 Three incredible performers have made the shortlist for ICC Men's Player of the Month for January 2023 👌 — ICC (@ICC) February 7, 2023 × During the final ODI against Sri Lanka, the young Shubman Gill scored his third hundred while against New Zealand in the following 1st match of their bilateral series in Hyderabad, he scored his maiden double century – scoring 208. In the 3rd match at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, Gill completed yet another three-figure score (112), ending the New Zealand ODIs with 360 runs to his name, which is the highest-ever for a batter in a three-match ODI series. ALSO READ: Injured Cameron Green didn't bat in nets in Nagpur, remains unlikely to feature in XI for 1st Test Even against Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series before that, Gill had scored 207 runs including a hundred in the final game in Thiruvananthapuram. In total, he scored 567 runs at an average of 113.40 in ODIs in January in addition to scoring 76 runs in T20Is. Mohammed Siraj, on the other hand, picked up nine wickets in three ODIs against the Lankans that included a match-winning performance of 4-32 in the final game. During New Zealand ODIs, Siraj was the second-highest wicket-taker with six wickets to his name. In the first match, it was his spell of four for 46 that helped India win the close clash by 12 runs. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Devon Conway also had a pretty good start to 2023 – where he scored two ODI hundreds – one against Pakistan in Karachi and one against India in Indore. Even in the one Test played last month, Conway slammed a hundred there too – scoring 122 in the first innings at the National Stadium. With three hundreds and two fifties, Conway finished January 2023 with 493 runs in nine international matches.

India's Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj nominated for ICC Player of the Month Award for January

Shubman Gill has had a stellar run in international cricket in the recent past. During India's tour of Bangladesh in late 2022, he struck his maiden Test hundred and went onto slam a hundred in the Sri Lanka home ODIs before becoming the youngest to score a double ton in the 50-over format and recently became only the fifth India to log a ton in all formats with his maiden T20I ton. Having such a flawless run, one expects Gill to feature in India's playing XI for the four-match Test series opener versus Australia, in Nagpur on February 09.

Nonetheless, the competition is tough as India have preferred the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul in Tests. The two were at their best during the England Tests in 2021 and were expected to open together during the Bangladesh series before captain Rohit got injured. With Rahul being his deputy, it will be tough for Gill to replace him. With no Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, either of the two can bat in the middle order as well but the questions remains as to who will open with Rohit. In this regard, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared his take.

“Not in all three formats but in two formats. If you talk about Test matches, you have two openers who have scored runs in difficult conditions, scored runs in England and won matches for India there. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma are there, so suddenly because Shubman Gill has scored runs in the T20 format, you cannot ask them to step aside and let him play. You need the stability,” Pathan told&nbsp;Star Sports.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-rohit-sharma-but-virat-kohli-may-play-2024-t20-world-cup-predicts-former-indian-opener-558549">Not Rohit Sharma but Virat Kohli may play 2024 T20 World Cup, predicts former Indian opener</a>

Rohit and Rahul are expected to open the innings with Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill to follow suit. KS Bharat might don the wicketkeeping gloves with Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and Axar Patel being the spin-bowling all-rounders whereas the likes of Mohammed Shami and Siraj are likely to handle the pace unit.

Squads

India (for first two Tests):&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav

Australia:&nbsp;Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb (wk), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

Shubman Gill has had a stellar run in international cricket in the recent past. During India's tour of Bangladesh in late 2022, he struck his maiden Test hundred and went onto slam a hundred in the Sri Lanka home ODIs before becoming the youngest to score a double ton in the 50-over format and recently became only the fifth India to log a ton in all formats with his maiden T20I ton.

Shubman Gill has had a stellar run in international cricket in the recent past. During India's tour of Bangladesh in late 2022, he struck his maiden Test hundred and went onto slam a hundred in the Sri Lanka home ODIs before becoming the youngest to score a double ton in the 50-over format and recently became only the fifth India to log a ton in all formats with his maiden T20I ton. Having such a flawless run, one expects Gill to feature in India's playing XI for the four-match Test series opener versus Australia, in Nagpur on February 09. Nonetheless, the competition is tough as India have preferred the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul in Tests. The two were at their best during the England Tests in 2021 and were expected to open together during the Bangladesh series before captain Rohit got injured. With Rahul being his deputy, it will be tough for Gill to replace him. With no Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, either of the two can bat in the middle order as well but the questions remains as to who will open with Rohit. In this regard, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared his take. “Not in all three formats but in two formats. If you talk about Test matches, you have two openers who have scored runs in difficult conditions, scored runs in England and won matches for India there. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma are there, so suddenly because Shubman Gill has scored runs in the T20 format, you cannot ask them to step aside and let him play. You need the stability,” Pathan told Star Sports. Also read: Not Rohit Sharma but Virat Kohli may play 2024 T20 World Cup, predicts former Indian opener Rohit and Rahul are expected to open the innings with Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill to follow suit. KS Bharat might don the wicketkeeping gloves with Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and Axar Patel being the spin-bowling all-rounders whereas the likes of Mohammed Shami and Siraj are likely to handle the pace unit. Squads India (for first two Tests): Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb (wk), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

'Just because he has scored runs in T20Is....': Irfan on Rahul vs Gill debate ahead of India-Australia Tests

On Wednesday (February 01), Hardik Pandya-led India thumped New Zealand by a whopping 168&nbsp;runs in the third and final T20I at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad to clinch the series 2-1. After losing the series opener in Ranchi, the Men in Blue won a low-scoring thriller in Lucknow before wrapping up the series without dropping any sweat following Shubman Gill's record-breaking ton. Gill continued his rich vein of form versus the Kiwis -- having already scored a double hundred in the three ODIs -- to score his maiden ton in the format and take India to 234/4. During the NZ run-chase, early wickets and Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catches dented Mitchell Santner &amp; Co.&nbsp;as the fate of the contest was out in no time.

Winning the toss, India opted to bat first with Umran Malik coming in place of Yuvzendra Chahal. Gill's first fifty came off 35 balls and the next off mere 19 deliveries as he created havoc in front of a jam-packed stadium in Ahmedabad. Rahul Tripathi's 22-ball 44 set the tone for the Indian innings and allowed Gill to take some time before he launched onto the poor deliveries. He remained unbeaten on 126, off 63 balls, striking at a whopping 200 along with 12 fours and 7 sixes. He was immaculate against the pacers, with his timely pulls, drives, flicks, etc., as India reached a mammoth total in 20 overs.&nbsp;

Indians with T20I hundreds

Suresh Raina 
Rohit Sharma 
KL Rahul 
Deepak Hooda 
Suryakumar Yadav 
Virat Kohli 
Shubman Gill

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tendulkar-bcci-present-india-u19-womens-team-a-fat-cheque-for-t20-wc-win-before-ind-nz-3rd-t20i-557993">Tendulkar, BCCI present India U19 Women’s team a fat cheque for T20 WC win before IND-NZ 3rd T20I</a>

Gill also ended with the highest individual score by an Indian batter in the format (126*) surpassing Kohli's 122* during the 2022 Asia Cup. In addition, he is only the fifth Indian to log a hundred in all three formats of men's cricket.

Indians to score a hundred in all formats:

Suresh Raina 
Rohit Sharma 
KL Rahul 
Virat Kohli 
Shubman Gill

In reply, NZ's run-chase never got going. Hardik removed dangerman Finn Allen with an edge as SKY completed a good catch. Arshdeep Singh joined in and claimed two quick wickets with Hardik and Umran Malik adding to Kiwis' miseries. Surya accounted for another brilliant catch (ending with three overall) in the slip cordon as the match was well and truly over in a flash. The first six overs were set to give a clear indication of how the match will proceed but the visitors were 21 for 5 in less than five overs. Eventually, India finished the formalities with the Black Caps managing only a paltry 66 in 12.1 overs to win by a big margin;&nbsp;their biggest-ever win in the format. Overall,&nbsp;this is the biggest margin of win&nbsp;in a contest held between&nbsp;two full member nations.

With the series win, the Men in Blue maintain their No. 1 position in T20Is. India will now return to the 22-yard cricket strip for the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on home soil, starting on February 09.

On Wednesday (February 01), Hardik Pandya-led India thumped New Zealand by a whopping 168 runs in the third and final T20I at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad to clinch the series 2-1.

On Wednesday (February 01), Hardik Pandya-led India thumped New Zealand by a whopping 168 runs in the third and final T20I at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad to clinch the series 2-1. After losing the series opener in Ranchi, the Men in Blue won a low-scoring thriller in Lucknow before wrapping up the series without dropping any sweat following Shubman Gill's record-breaking ton. Gill continued his rich vein of form versus the Kiwis -- having already scored a double hundred in the three ODIs -- to score his maiden ton in the format and take India to 234/4. During the NZ run-chase, early wickets and Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catches dented Mitchell Santner & Co. as the fate of the contest was out in no time. Winning the toss, India opted to bat first with Umran Malik coming in place of Yuvzendra Chahal. Gill's first fifty came off 35 balls and the next off mere 19 deliveries as he created havoc in front of a jam-packed stadium in Ahmedabad. Rahul Tripathi's 22-ball 44 set the tone for the Indian innings and allowed Gill to take some time before he launched onto the poor deliveries. He remained unbeaten on 126, off 63 balls, striking at a whopping 200 along with 12 fours and 7 sixes. He was immaculate against the pacers, with his timely pulls, drives, flicks, etc., as India reached a mammoth total in 20 overs. Indians with T20I hundreds Suresh Raina Rohit Sharma KL Rahul Deepak Hooda Suryakumar Yadav Virat Kohli Shubman Gill Also read: Tendulkar, BCCI present India U19 Women’s team a fat cheque for T20 WC win before IND-NZ 3rd T20I Gill also ended with the highest individual score by an Indian batter in the format (126*) surpassing Kohli's 122* during the 2022 Asia Cup. In addition, he is only the fifth Indian to log a hundred in all three formats of men's cricket. Indians to score a hundred in all formats: Suresh Raina Rohit Sharma KL Rahul Virat Kohli Shubman Gill In reply, NZ's run-chase never got going. Hardik removed dangerman Finn Allen with an edge as SKY completed a good catch. Arshdeep Singh joined in and claimed two quick wickets with Hardik and Umran Malik adding to Kiwis' miseries. Surya accounted for another brilliant catch (ending with three overall) in the slip cordon as the match was well and truly over in a flash. The first six overs were set to give a clear indication of how the match will proceed but the visitors were 21 for 5 in less than five overs. Eventually, India finished the formalities with the Black Caps managing only a paltry 66 in 12.1 overs to win by a big margin; their biggest-ever win in the format. Overall, this is the biggest margin of win in a contest held between two full member nations. With the series win, the Men in Blue maintain their No. 1 position in T20Is. India will now return to the 22-yard cricket strip for the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on home soil, starting on February 09.

Shubman Gill's record-breaking hundred takes India to 168-run win over NZ, clinch T20I series 2-1

India and New Zealand locked horns in the three-match T20I series decider on Wednesday (February 01), in Ahmedabad, with the scoreline being 1-1. Opting to bat first, India rode on in-form opener Shubman Gill's 63-ball 126 not out, laced with 12 fours and 7 sixes, to post a mammoth 234 for 4 and dismissed the Kiwis for a paltry 66 in 12.1 overs to win by a humongous 168-run margin at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. Gill slammed his maiden ton in the format. In addition, he registered the highest individual score by an Indian batter in T20Is, surpassing Virat Kohli's 122*. He became the seventh Indian batter to score a T20I hundred and became the fifth among his countrymen to log a ton in all forms of the game.

After his Ahmedabad heroics, Kohli -- who will next be seen in action during the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia on home soil -- took to his official Instagram account to laud Gill. On his Instagram story, the 34-year-old shared Gill's picture and wrote, "Sitara (Star). The future is here."

<img alt="Virat Kohli lauds Shubman Gill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b22ded4c-7e7b-4177-abb3-78810d1e9bcd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kohli%20lauds%20Gill.JPG" />

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shubman-gills-record-breaking-hundred-takes-india-to-168-run-win-over-nz-clinch-t20i-series-2-1-558026">Shubman Gill's record-breaking hundred takes India to 168-run win over NZ, clinch T20I series 2-1</a>

Gill stitched an entertaining 80-run second-wicket stand with Rahul Tripathi, who set the platform for his side courtesy his 22-ball 44. He was well supported by Suryakumar Yadav (13-ball 24) and captain Hardik Pandya (17-ball 30) as India piled up a mammoth total and defended it with ease, with Hardik leading the charge (with 4 for 16) along with two-fers from Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Mavi and Umran Malik each.

At the post-match presentation, centurion Gill said, "It feels good when you practice and it pays off. I was backing myself to score big. Didn't happen in the Sri Lanka series, but happy to see it work out now. Everybody has a different technique to hit sixes. Hardik bhai told me to play my game, not do anything extra and he kept backing me. When you represent your country, there is no fatigue. It was my dream to play for India, and I am very fortunate to be part of the team in all three formats."

India and New Zealand locked horns in the three-match T20I series decider on Wednesday (February 01), in Ahmedabad, with the scoreline being 1-1. Opting to bat first, India rode on in-form opener Shubman Gill's 63-ball 126 not out, laced with 12 fours and 7 sixes, to post a mammoth 234 for 4 and dismissed the Kiwis for a paltry 66 in 12.

India and New Zealand locked horns in the three-match T20I series decider on Wednesday (February 01), in Ahmedabad, with the scoreline being 1-1. Opting to bat first, India rode on in-form opener Shubman Gill's 63-ball 126 not out, laced with 12 fours and 7 sixes, to post a mammoth 234 for 4 and dismissed the Kiwis for a paltry 66 in 12.1 overs to win by a humongous 168-run margin at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. Gill slammed his maiden ton in the format. In addition, he registered the highest individual score by an Indian batter in T20Is, surpassing Virat Kohli's 122*. He became the seventh Indian batter to score a T20I hundred and became the fifth among his countrymen to log a ton in all forms of the game. After his Ahmedabad heroics, Kohli -- who will next be seen in action during the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia on home soil -- took to his official Instagram account to laud Gill. On his Instagram story, the 34-year-old shared Gill's picture and wrote, "Sitara (Star). The future is here." Also read: Shubman Gill's record-breaking hundred takes India to 168-run win over NZ, clinch T20I series 2-1 Gill stitched an entertaining 80-run second-wicket stand with Rahul Tripathi, who set the platform for his side courtesy his 22-ball 44. He was well supported by Suryakumar Yadav (13-ball 24) and captain Hardik Pandya (17-ball 30) as India piled up a mammoth total and defended it with ease, with Hardik leading the charge (with 4 for 16) along with two-fers from Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Mavi and Umran Malik each. At the post-match presentation, centurion Gill said, "It feels good when you practice and it pays off. I was backing myself to score big. Didn't happen in the Sri Lanka series, but happy to see it work out now. Everybody has a different technique to hit sixes. Hardik bhai told me to play my game, not do anything extra and he kept backing me. When you represent your country, there is no fatigue. It was my dream to play for India, and I am very fortunate to be part of the team in all three formats."

'The future is here': Virat Kohli lauds Shubman Gill after his 3rd T20I heroics vs New Zealand

India are gearing up for the third and final T20I versus New Zealand, to be held at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday (February 01). Ahead of the series finale, with the scoreline being 1-1, former Indian spinner and captain Anil Kumble lavished praise on some young Indian players and mentioned two&nbsp;future superstars.

Having worked closely with pacer Arshdeep Singh, during his sting as Punjab Kings' (PBKS) coach, Kumble lauded the left-arm seamer and reckoned he has a bright future. In his limited international appearances, Arshdeep has taken 39 T20I wickets in 25 matches and was part of Rohit Sharma-led India's Asia Cup and T20 World Cup campaigns.

"Having worked closely with someone like Arshdeep, it’s wonderful to see him grow into what he’s done for India. I would look at Arshdeep as the next superstar bowler coming through," said Kumble on JioCinema.

Among the young batters, India have abundance of talents in the form of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tripathi and the likes. Kumble, however, picked ODI double centurion Ishan as a superstar in the making.&nbsp;"From a batting perspective, Ishan Kishan is someone who’s been wonderful in the opportunities he’s got. He got a double hundred and he’s someone who I think will be a superstar," Kumble asserted.

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Meanwhile, former Indian stumper Parthiv Patel mentioned two different names. "He's (Umran) quick and bowling well and already played for India. He’s someone who can be a superstar. Batting-wise, having seen Tilak Varma in the last couple of years, I had the opportunity to scout him and see the cricketer he has become. We’ve seen his batting ability, and he has the ability to go on and lead the side. He’s someone who comes across as a leader."

At present, Hardik-led Indian T20I team will be eager to win the three-match series versus the Kiwis before the action moves to the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and visitors Australia, starting on February 09.

India are gearing up for the third and final T20I versus New Zealand, to be held at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday (February 01). Ahead of the series finale, with the scoreline being 1-1, former Indian spinner and captain Anil Kumble lavished praise on some young Indian players and mentioned two future superstars.

India are gearing up for the third and final T20I versus New Zealand, to be held at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday (February 01). Ahead of the series finale, with the scoreline being 1-1, former Indian spinner and captain Anil Kumble lavished praise on some young Indian players and mentioned two future superstars. Having worked closely with pacer Arshdeep Singh, during his sting as Punjab Kings' (PBKS) coach, Kumble lauded the left-arm seamer and reckoned he has a bright future. In his limited international appearances, Arshdeep has taken 39 T20I wickets in 25 matches and was part of Rohit Sharma-led India's Asia Cup and T20 World Cup campaigns. "Having worked closely with someone like Arshdeep, it’s wonderful to see him grow into what he’s done for India. I would look at Arshdeep as the next superstar bowler coming through," said Kumble on JioCinema. Among the young batters, India have abundance of talents in the form of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tripathi and the likes. Kumble, however, picked ODI double centurion Ishan as a superstar in the making. "From a batting perspective, Ishan Kishan is someone who’s been wonderful in the opportunities he’s got. He got a double hundred and he’s someone who I think will be a superstar," Kumble asserted. Also read: IND vs AUS 2023: Shreyas Iyer ruled out of Nagpur Test due to back injury Meanwhile, former Indian stumper Parthiv Patel mentioned two different names. "He's (Umran) quick and bowling well and already played for India. He’s someone who can be a superstar. Batting-wise, having seen Tilak Varma in the last couple of years, I had the opportunity to scout him and see the cricketer he has become. We’ve seen his batting ability, and he has the ability to go on and lead the side. He’s someone who comes across as a leader." At present, Hardik-led Indian T20I team will be eager to win the three-match series versus the Kiwis before the action moves to the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and visitors Australia, starting on February 09.

IND vs NZ: Arshdeep, Gill, Shaw or Ishan? Anil Kumble names two future superstars of Team India

Shubman Gill has emerged as one of India’s brightest cricketer stars&nbsp;in recent times. His performance in the longer format lately has brought him laurels while his record-breaking ODI series against New Zealand helped him enter record books. But nothing of that can be said about his outings in the T20 format. Technique-wise Gill already looks ahead of his contemporaries but it’s his manner of dismissals that could cause some trouble for him, as per the former India opener Aakash Chopra. Much like how he got out to a spinner in the first T20I, Gill got dismissed in the same fashion in Sunday’s second T20I in Lucknow.

India levelled the T20I series in Lucknow with a seven-wicket win on a surface that was very tricky to play. Even India’s stand-in captain Hardik Pandya called it as a shocker. Having said that, India was to chase a mere 100 in 20 overs – which they just somehow managed to do so. Gill, who scored 11 off nine balls got out to off-spinner&nbsp;Michael Bracewell. In the first game, he tried pulling a short ball from Santner that found a top edge, and now in this match, he made the same mistake.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/following-multiple-requests-from-pcb-mickey-arthur-is-set-to-return-as-pakistans-coach-reports-557286">Following multiple requests from PCB, Mickey Arthur is set to return as Pakistan's coach - Reports</a>

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash opined that though you can’t be too critical with such players, one still has to be careful about the numbers getting stacked up nicely.

"Gill was dismissed off Santner's bowling in the first match and here, Michael Bracewell. He is trying to play the pull shot but getting the leading edge, it happened both times. Happens on a turning surface," Aakash Chopra said.

"You can't be too critical but numbers are not stacking up nicely for him, that's a problem. Ishan Kishan was looking decent and he got run out. Rahul Tripathi also swung his bat but how many runs will you score here? Suryakumar Yadav, who is in amazing form, was also seen struggling," he added.

Now since the three-match T20I series is tied at 1-1, the decider will be played on Wednesday in Ahmedabad.

Shubman Gill has emerged as one of India’s brightest cricketer stars in recent times. His performance in the longer format lately has brought him laurels while his record-breaking ODI series against New Zealand helped him enter record books.

Shubman Gill has emerged as one of India’s brightest cricketer stars in recent times. His performance in the longer format lately has brought him laurels while his record-breaking ODI series against New Zealand helped him enter record books. But nothing of that can be said about his outings in the T20 format. Technique-wise Gill already looks ahead of his contemporaries but it’s his manner of dismissals that could cause some trouble for him, as per the former India opener Aakash Chopra. Much like how he got out to a spinner in the first T20I, Gill got dismissed in the same fashion in Sunday’s second T20I in Lucknow. India levelled the T20I series in Lucknow with a seven-wicket win on a surface that was very tricky to play. Even India’s stand-in captain Hardik Pandya called it as a shocker. Having said that, India was to chase a mere 100 in 20 overs – which they just somehow managed to do so. Gill, who scored 11 off nine balls got out to off-spinner Michael Bracewell. In the first game, he tried pulling a short ball from Santner that found a top edge, and now in this match, he made the same mistake. ALSO READ: Following multiple requests from PCB, Mickey Arthur is set to return as Pakistan's coach - Reports Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash opined that though you can’t be too critical with such players, one still has to be careful about the numbers getting stacked up nicely. "Gill was dismissed off Santner's bowling in the first match and here, Michael Bracewell. He is trying to play the pull shot but getting the leading edge, it happened both times. Happens on a turning surface," Aakash Chopra said. "You can't be too critical but numbers are not stacking up nicely for him, that's a problem. Ishan Kishan was looking decent and he got run out. Rahul Tripathi also swung his bat but how many runs will you score here? Suryakumar Yadav, who is in amazing form, was also seen struggling," he added. Now since the three-match T20I series is tied at 1-1, the decider will be played on Wednesday in Ahmedabad.

Numbers in T20Is are not stacking up nicely for Shubman Gill, could become a problem, says Aakash Chopra

Cricket has changed a lot since the invention of T20 format. Not only in the manner of how it is played and approached, in the way of how it will be led heading forward as well. While a little more than a decade back a single captain leading a team across formats was considered normal but now with the surge in the franchise-based T20 cricket and with everyone trying to try their hand at everything available, this doesn’t look like a reality. Expressing his opinion on the same, former India opener Aakash Chopra said the days of a single captain leading in all formats are now over.

Adding that teams will adapt this policy of split captaincy heading forward, Chopra said India, for the meantime will have Rohit Sharma as their ODI and Test skipper at least until the 2023 home World Cup.

As Hardik got&nbsp;appointed as the new T20I captain and is likely to stick around in this role till the next T20 World Cup; Aakash feels Rohit could also pave way for someone younger in the longer formats - probably like Rishabh Pant or even Shubman Gill, both of whom he believes have the potential to lead the Indian team in future.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-2023-we-dont-want-to-lose-the-border-gavaskar-series-again-says-marcus-stoinis-556731">IND vs AUS 2023: 'We don't want to lose the Border-Gavaskar series again..', says Marcus Stoinis</a>

“I don’t think we will see a single captain for all formats just yet, I think those days are over. Rohit Sharma will be the Test team’s captain till the WTC, that’s not going to change - it is going to stay like that. Hardik Pandya is currently the captain in the T20 format, and I think he will continue to do so and in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, you will see Pandya be the captain of the Indian team," Aakash Chopra said on JioCInema’s new daily sports show, Aakashvani.

“In One-Day cricket, Rohit Sharma will continue to be the captain till the World Cup. But I think in the long term, in terms of India’s captaincy, it will be Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. These are my two candidates for India’s captaincy in the future," Chopra added.

While Rishabh Pant is currently out of the setup, getting treated for a road accident he suffered in December last year; Shubman Gill is enjoying his time out there – pilling up huge runs. Even in the recently-concluded New Zealand ODIs, the young right-handed batter scored his maiden double ton in the first game. He followed up with yet another century in the third ODI in Indore, and ended the three-match series with 360 runs to his name.

Cricket has changed a lot since the invention of T20 format. Not only in the manner of how it is played and approached, in the way of how it will be led heading forward as well.

Cricket has changed a lot since the invention of T20 format. Not only in the manner of how it is played and approached, in the way of how it will be led heading forward as well. While a little more than a decade back a single captain leading a team across formats was considered normal but now with the surge in the franchise-based T20 cricket and with everyone trying to try their hand at everything available, this doesn’t look like a reality. Expressing his opinion on the same, former India opener Aakash Chopra said the days of a single captain leading in all formats are now over. Adding that teams will adapt this policy of split captaincy heading forward, Chopra said India, for the meantime will have Rohit Sharma as their ODI and Test skipper at least until the 2023 home World Cup. As Hardik got appointed as the new T20I captain and is likely to stick around in this role till the next T20 World Cup; Aakash feels Rohit could also pave way for someone younger in the longer formats - probably like Rishabh Pant or even Shubman Gill, both of whom he believes have the potential to lead the Indian team in future. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS 2023: 'We don't want to lose the Border-Gavaskar series again..', says Marcus Stoinis “I don’t think we will see a single captain for all formats just yet, I think those days are over. Rohit Sharma will be the Test team’s captain till the WTC, that’s not going to change - it is going to stay like that. Hardik Pandya is currently the captain in the T20 format, and I think he will continue to do so and in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, you will see Pandya be the captain of the Indian team," Aakash Chopra said on JioCInema’s new daily sports show, Aakashvani. “In One-Day cricket, Rohit Sharma will continue to be the captain till the World Cup. But I think in the long term, in terms of India’s captaincy, it will be Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. These are my two candidates for India’s captaincy in the future," Chopra added. While Rishabh Pant is currently out of the setup, getting treated for a road accident he suffered in December last year; Shubman Gill is enjoying his time out there – pilling up huge runs. Even in the recently-concluded New Zealand ODIs, the young right-handed batter scored his maiden double ton in the first game. He followed up with yet another century in the third ODI in Indore, and ended the three-match series with 360 runs to his name.

'Days of single captain are over now,' Aakash Chopra names his candidates for India captaincy in future

Ahead of the start of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand, newly-appointed India’s T20I captain Hardik Pandya said the returning Prithvi Shaw will have to wait for his chance as the man-in-form Shubman Gill will be preferred over him for the Ranchi game, scheduled to begin on Friday, January 27th. Gill became the youngest batter to register a double hundred against the Kiwis in the first ODI in Hyderabad, hitting 208, while in the final One-Dayer in Indore, he scored yet another century – ending the three-match series with 360 runs at an average of 180.

"Prithvi Shaw will have to wait for his opportunity as Shubman Gill has done very well and was already part of the T20 team," Hardik Pandya said in the presser in Ranchi.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ms-dhoni-pays-a-visit-to-indian-team-in-ranchi-stadium-ahead-of-1st-t20i-against-new-zealand-556261">WATCH: MS Dhoni meets Indian players at Ranchi stadium ahead of 1st T20I against New Zealand</a>

Gill, who got preferred over Ishan Kishan before the start of this series at a time when Kishan had notched up the fastest double hundred in ODIs against Bangladesh in his last game, will again be played ahead of Shaw. Prithvi, who kept pressing his case for a place in the team owing to remarkable performances in the domestic cricket, finally got picked for New Zealand T20Is. He, however, falls second in the pecking order when it’s compared to Gill in white-ball cricket.

Meanwhile, both Shaw and Gill were part of India’s Under-19 World Cup squad that won the title in 2018 against Australia in the finals. Though Shaw got his chance first as he scored a debut Test hundred against the Windies, Gill took some time before getting roped into the Indian team. His main contribution, however, came during the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar series in Australia where he scored 259 runs in three Tests opening against the best pace attack in the world.

It was on that tour only when Shaw failed to deliver across two Tests and was later dropped. The team persisted with Gill across formats after that and it paid dividends as Gill kept scoring runs at consistent rate against top teams in different conditions. Going by how he is playing at the moment, it would be hard to look beyond Gill in the opening slot.

Here’s India’s squad for New Zealand T20Is –

Hardik Pandya (captain), Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tripathi, Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar

Ahead of the start of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand, newly-appointed India’s T20I captain Hardik Pandya said the returning Prithvi Shaw will have to wait for his chance as the man-in-form Shubman Gill will be preferred over him for the Ranchi game, scheduled to begin on Friday, January 27th.

Ahead of the start of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand, newly-appointed India’s T20I captain Hardik Pandya said the returning Prithvi Shaw will have to wait for his chance as the man-in-form Shubman Gill will be preferred over him for the Ranchi game, scheduled to begin on Friday, January 27th. Gill became the youngest batter to register a double hundred against the Kiwis in the first ODI in Hyderabad, hitting 208, while in the final One-Dayer in Indore, he scored yet another century – ending the three-match series with 360 runs at an average of 180. "Prithvi Shaw will have to wait for his opportunity as Shubman Gill has done very well and was already part of the T20 team," Hardik Pandya said in the presser in Ranchi. ALSO READ: WATCH: MS Dhoni meets Indian players at Ranchi stadium ahead of 1st T20I against New Zealand Gill, who got preferred over Ishan Kishan before the start of this series at a time when Kishan had notched up the fastest double hundred in ODIs against Bangladesh in his last game, will again be played ahead of Shaw. Prithvi, who kept pressing his case for a place in the team owing to remarkable performances in the domestic cricket, finally got picked for New Zealand T20Is. He, however, falls second in the pecking order when it’s compared to Gill in white-ball cricket. Meanwhile, both Shaw and Gill were part of India’s Under-19 World Cup squad that won the title in 2018 against Australia in the finals. Though Shaw got his chance first as he scored a debut Test hundred against the Windies, Gill took some time before getting roped into the Indian team. His main contribution, however, came during the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar series in Australia where he scored 259 runs in three Tests opening against the best pace attack in the world. It was on that tour only when Shaw failed to deliver across two Tests and was later dropped. The team persisted with Gill across formats after that and it paid dividends as Gill kept scoring runs at consistent rate against top teams in different conditions. Going by how he is playing at the moment, it would be hard to look beyond Gill in the opening slot. Here’s India’s squad for New Zealand T20Is – Hardik Pandya (captain), Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tripathi, Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar

IND vs NZ 2023: Prithvi Shaw has to wait as Shubman Gill will start, says Hardik Pandya ahead of 1st T20I

Rohit Sharma scored his first ODI hundred in three years while Shubman Gill continued his domination with another sublime ton as India completed a clean sweep with a 90-run win over New Zealand in the third match here on Tuesday.

Batters from both sides lit up the dead rubber as 680 runs were scored at the Holkar Stadium.

Rohit (101 off 85 balls) got to the three-figure mark for the first time since January 2020 while Gill (112 off 78) scored his fourth ODI hundred to take India to 385 for nine.

Following twin failures, the New Zealand top-order put up a much better show. Devon Conway (138) stitched crucial partnerships but Shardul Thakur (3/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/62) regularly struck to bowl out the Balck Caps for 295 in 41.2 overs.

It was India's second consecutive clean sweep, having beaten Sri Lanka last week. After Hardik Pandya (1/37) got rid of Finn Allen (0), Conway shared 106 runs with Henry Nicholls and 78 runs with Daryl Mitchell (24).

In the absence of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, the Indian bowlers struggled initially, leaking runs as Conway tonked the ball all around the park. 
Shardul, however, managed to turn the game, as he took back-to-back wickets of Mitchell and Tom Latham (0) in the 26th over.

In his next over, Thakur sent Glenn Phillips (5) packing with a cross-seamed delivery. 
Umran Malik (1/52) then got Conway as the centurion pulled awkwardly with Rohit doing the rest at midwicket as the match seemed to slip out of New Zealand's grasp.

The spin duo of Kuldeep and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/43) then cleaned up the tail.

Earlier, Rohit and Gill put up a belligerent 212-run opening stand, sharing 22 fours and 11 sixes between them.

Rahul Dravid joked on the eve of the match that bowlers don't want to bowl as soon as they land in Indore because of the batter-friendly conditions. The batting great had a point, and the New Zealanders rolling over their arms during the first 25 overs would have shared Dravid's sentiment.

At one point every ball that Rohit and Gill's bat touched was either flying to the boundary or over it.

Gill hit four fours and a six to plunder 22 runs off Lockie Ferguson in the eighth over, symbolising the kind of form the 23-year-old has been in lately.

The youngster didn't have to even time the ball for it to run to the boundary. After three fours, he launched the short ball for an upper-cut six.

With the outfield quick and the wicket flat, the rather inexperienced New Zealand bowling unit had no answers to the Indian openers' carnage.

The 26th over saw both Rohit and Gill getting their centuries. Rohit pulled away to deep square to get to his mark and, three balls later, Gill got to the triple-figure mark, his third in four innings.

New Zealand skipper Tom Latham used as many as six bowlers and it was his sixth option -- spinner Michael Bracewell -- who provided the tourists their first breakthrough.

Trying to slog one out of the park, Rohit missed the ball as it kept low and turned to eventually hit the stumps. His wicket was met with a roar by the partisan crowd, welcoming Virat Kohli (36).

A miscued shot in the next over spelt the end of Gill's innings as New Zealand struck twice in quick succession.

Ishan Kishan (17) didn't look too comfortable and took nine balls to open his account. A yes-no with Kohli, who had sprinted halfway, marked the end of the wicketkeeper batter's stay in the middle.

New Zealand were able to bring down the boundaries and sixes and, looking to play a big shot, Kohli couldn't beat Finn Allen at mid-off.

Firmly on course for a 400-plus score, India endured a familiar middle-order batting collapse, before Hardik Pandya (54 off 38 balls) provided the final flourish.

Rohit Sharma scored his first ODI hundred in three years while Shubman Gill continued his domination with another sublime ton as India completed a clean sweep with a 90-run win over New Zealand in the third match here on Tuesday.

Rohit Sharma scored his first ODI hundred in three years while Shubman Gill continued his domination with another sublime ton as India completed a clean sweep with a 90-run win over New Zealand in the third match here on Tuesday. Batters from both sides lit up the dead rubber as 680 runs were scored at the Holkar Stadium. Rohit (101 off 85 balls) got to the three-figure mark for the first time since January 2020 while Gill (112 off 78) scored his fourth ODI hundred to take India to 385 for nine. Following twin failures, the New Zealand top-order put up a much better show. Devon Conway (138) stitched crucial partnerships but Shardul Thakur (3/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/62) regularly struck to bowl out the Balck Caps for 295 in 41.2 overs. It was India's second consecutive clean sweep, having beaten Sri Lanka last week. After Hardik Pandya (1/37) got rid of Finn Allen (0), Conway shared 106 runs with Henry Nicholls and 78 runs with Daryl Mitchell (24). In the absence of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, the Indian bowlers struggled initially, leaking runs as Conway tonked the ball all around the park. Shardul, however, managed to turn the game, as he took back-to-back wickets of Mitchell and Tom Latham (0) in the 26th over. In his next over, Thakur sent Glenn Phillips (5) packing with a cross-seamed delivery. Umran Malik (1/52) then got Conway as the centurion pulled awkwardly with Rohit doing the rest at midwicket as the match seemed to slip out of New Zealand's grasp. The spin duo of Kuldeep and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/43) then cleaned up the tail. Earlier, Rohit and Gill put up a belligerent 212-run opening stand, sharing 22 fours and 11 sixes between them. Rahul Dravid joked on the eve of the match that bowlers don't want to bowl as soon as they land in Indore because of the batter-friendly conditions. The batting great had a point, and the New Zealanders rolling over their arms during the first 25 overs would have shared Dravid's sentiment. At one point every ball that Rohit and Gill's bat touched was either flying to the boundary or over it. Gill hit four fours and a six to plunder 22 runs off Lockie Ferguson in the eighth over, symbolising the kind of form the 23-year-old has been in lately. The youngster didn't have to even time the ball for it to run to the boundary. After three fours, he launched the short ball for an upper-cut six. With the outfield quick and the wicket flat, the rather inexperienced New Zealand bowling unit had no answers to the Indian openers' carnage. The 26th over saw both Rohit and Gill getting their centuries. Rohit pulled away to deep square to get to his mark and, three balls later, Gill got to the triple-figure mark, his third in four innings. New Zealand skipper Tom Latham used as many as six bowlers and it was his sixth option -- spinner Michael Bracewell -- who provided the tourists their first breakthrough. Trying to slog one out of the park, Rohit missed the ball as it kept low and turned to eventually hit the stumps. His wicket was met with a roar by the partisan crowd, welcoming Virat Kohli (36). A miscued shot in the next over spelt the end of Gill's innings as New Zealand struck twice in quick succession. Ishan Kishan (17) didn't look too comfortable and took nine balls to open his account. A yes-no with Kohli, who had sprinted halfway, marked the end of the wicketkeeper batter's stay in the middle. New Zealand were able to bring down the boundaries and sixes and, looking to play a big shot, Kohli couldn't beat Finn Allen at mid-off. Firmly on course for a 400-plus score, India endured a familiar middle-order batting collapse, before Hardik Pandya (54 off 38 balls) provided the final flourish.

IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: Rohit's ton helps India win by 90 runs to complete a series whitewash

Shubman Gill&nbsp;scored another century on Tuesday, January 24 off 72 balls against visiting Kiwis. Team India is benefiting greatly from the opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. On Tuesday, the pair achieved their third consecutive fifty-plus opening wicket stand in ODIs and their fourth overall in the current series against New Zealand. After Tom Latham won the toss and opted to bowl first, the New Zealanders decided to bowl first, and Rohit and Shubman have really attacked their bowlers. Earlier, Rohit Sharma&nbsp;also&nbsp;slammed&nbsp;his another century after in the&nbsp;IND vs NZ ODI match.

Rohit and Gill put on a 60 run opening wicket stand in the first ODI against New Zealand in Hyderabad, where Gill became the youngest cricketer to record an ODI double century (208), before Rohit was bowled out for 34 by Tickner. Gill and Rohit scored 72 runs together for the first wicket in the second ODI at Raipur. India was batting second in this game and needed to win by scoring 209 runs to win.

Earlier this month, Rohit and Gill put on 95 runs for the first wicket in the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram. After dismissing the Lankans for 73 runs to seal a 317-run victory, which is also the largest victory margin in One Day cricket in terms of runs, Gill's century (116) helped India record a massive 390/5.

Shubman Gill scored another century on Tuesday, January 24 off 72 balls against visiting Kiwis. Team India is benefiting greatly from the opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.

Shubman Gill scored another century on Tuesday, January 24 off 72 balls against visiting Kiwis. Team India is benefiting greatly from the opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. On Tuesday, the pair achieved their third consecutive fifty-plus opening wicket stand in ODIs and their fourth overall in the current series against New Zealand. After Tom Latham won the toss and opted to bowl first, the New Zealanders decided to bowl first, and Rohit and Shubman have really attacked their bowlers. Earlier, Rohit Sharma also slammed his another century after in the IND vs NZ ODI match. Rohit and Gill put on a 60 run opening wicket stand in the first ODI against New Zealand in Hyderabad, where Gill became the youngest cricketer to record an ODI double century (208), before Rohit was bowled out for 34 by Tickner. Gill and Rohit scored 72 runs together for the first wicket in the second ODI at Raipur. India was batting second in this game and needed to win by scoring 209 runs to win. Earlier this month, Rohit and Gill put on 95 runs for the first wicket in the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram. After dismissing the Lankans for 73 runs to seal a 317-run victory, which is also the largest victory margin in One Day cricket in terms of runs, Gill's century (116) helped India record a massive 390/5.

Shubman Gill posts another 100 against New Zealand as partnership with Rohit reaches 200 milestone

Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya was dismissed in a rather controversial manner during the first ODI against New Zealand in Hyderabad on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The incident transpired&nbsp;in the 40th over of the innings when Pandya was facing medium-pacer Daryl Mitchell. With wicketkeeper Tom Latham up on the stumps, Hardik seemingly got beaten on the fourth delivery of the over.&nbsp;

The ball passed perilously close to the top of off and landed in Latham's gloves. The zing bails, however, lit up a nanosecond later, thereby suggesting that the ball had dislodged the bails.&nbsp;

The on-field umpires went upstairs to third umpire&nbsp;KN Ananthapadmanabhan for confirmation. The umpire, after multiple viewings gave Pandya out on the big screen, much to the dismay of the viewers and the batter himself.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The replays showed that the ball had passed the stumps without making any contact. However, Latham's gloves had brushed the bails and after he lifted them to collect the ball, they were dislodged.&nbsp;

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How is this even OUT!! <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HardikPandya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HardikPandya</a> <a href="https://t.co/uT21O8Xxx5">pic.twitter.com/uT21O8Xxx5</a>
— cric guru (@bccicc) <a href="https://twitter.com/bccicc/status/1615667401038913537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri who was in the commentary box at the time said Mitchell and New Zealand should be 'happy' that it was given out.&nbsp;

“Should really be happy, because that, if you take a look again as to where the keeper’s gloves are, where the ball is as it passes the stumps, it looked as if the ball was at least an inch, inch-and-a-half above the stumps," said Shastri.&nbsp;

"You can see as it goes past into the gloves, there’s no red light, it’s only after that. There you go. From that angle you can see that the gloves are closer to the bails than the ball.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-unbelievable-shubman-gill-becomes-the-youngest-player-to-smash-an-odi-double-hundred-553823">WATCH | UNBELIEVABLE 200! Shubman Gill becomes the youngest player to smash an ODI double hundred</a>

Meanwhile, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer also pointed out the absurdity of the decision.

"1. Clear gap between ball and bails. 2. Ball is inside gloves, bails not lit yet. 3. Bails lit after brush from gloves. Hardik robbed there," tweeted Jaffer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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1. Clear gap between ball and bails. 
2. Ball is inside gloves, bails not lit yet. 
3. Bails lit after brush from gloves. 
 
Hardik robbed there. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/yoI4rF4t9I">pic.twitter.com/yoI4rF4t9I</a>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1615668973055676416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The wrong decision did not ultimately hurt India as Shubman's Gill brilliant, record-breaking double hundred ensured that an above 340 run target was kept in front of the visitors. However, netizens remained miffed that such an error was allowed by the third umpire.&nbsp;

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Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya was dismissed in a rather controversial manner during the first ODI against New Zealand in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The incident transpired in the 40th over of the innings when Pandya was facing medium-pacer Daryl Mitchell.

Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya was dismissed in a rather controversial manner during the first ODI against New Zealand in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The incident transpired in the 40th over of the innings when Pandya was facing medium-pacer Daryl Mitchell. With wicketkeeper Tom Latham up on the stumps, Hardik seemingly got beaten on the fourth delivery of the over. The ball passed perilously close to the top of off and landed in Latham's gloves. The zing bails, however, lit up a nanosecond later, thereby suggesting that the ball had dislodged the bails. The on-field umpires went upstairs to third umpire KN Ananthapadmanabhan for confirmation. The umpire, after multiple viewings gave Pandya out on the big screen, much to the dismay of the viewers and the batter himself. The replays showed that the ball had passed the stumps without making any contact. However, Latham's gloves had brushed the bails and after he lifted them to collect the ball, they were dislodged. How is this even OUT!! @ICC #INDvsNZ #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/uT21O8Xxx5 — cric guru (@bccicc) January 18, 2023 × Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri who was in the commentary box at the time said Mitchell and New Zealand should be 'happy' that it was given out. “Should really be happy, because that, if you take a look again as to where the keeper’s gloves are, where the ball is as it passes the stumps, it looked as if the ball was at least an inch, inch-and-a-half above the stumps," said Shastri. "You can see as it goes past into the gloves, there’s no red light, it’s only after that. There you go. From that angle you can see that the gloves are closer to the bails than the ball.” WATCH | UNBELIEVABLE 200! Shubman Gill becomes the youngest player to smash an ODI double hundred Meanwhile, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer also pointed out the absurdity of the decision. "1. Clear gap between ball and bails. 2. Ball is inside gloves, bails not lit yet. 3. Bails lit after brush from gloves. Hardik robbed there," tweeted Jaffer. 1. Clear gap between ball and bails. 2. Ball is inside gloves, bails not lit yet. 3. Bails lit after brush from gloves. Hardik robbed there. #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/yoI4rF4t9I — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 18, 2023 × The wrong decision did not ultimately hurt India as Shubman's Gill brilliant, record-breaking double hundred ensured that an above 340 run target was kept in front of the visitors. However, netizens remained miffed that such an error was allowed by the third umpire. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Hardik Pandya's bizarre dismissal creates controversy, leaves netizens enraged

Shubman Gill Double Century:&nbsp;Coming off age, Indian batter Shubman Gill on Wednesday smashed three sixes on the trot to reach his double hundred (208 off 149)&nbsp;and become only the eighth and the youngest player (23 years) in ODI history to achieve the feat.&nbsp;

Gill achieved the milestone during the first ODI against New Zealand at the&nbsp;Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad. His innings was laced with 19 boundaries and nine sweetly timed maximums.&nbsp;

Gill joins the small yet illustrious list of Indians to have smashed a double century. Previously,&nbsp;Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag,&nbsp;Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan have reached the milestone.&nbsp;

While Tendulkar and Sehwag have scored a double century in ODI once, current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has achieved the feat thrice, including the highest-ever score of 264.&nbsp;

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ICYMI - 𝙒𝙃𝘼𝙏. 𝘼. 𝙆𝙉𝙊𝘾𝙆! 💪 💪 
That celebration says it ALL 👌 👌 
 
Follow the match 👉 <a href="https://t.co/IQq47h2W47">https://t.co/IQq47h2W47</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShubmanGill</a> <a href="https://t.co/OSwcj0t1sd">pic.twitter.com/OSwcj0t1sd</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1615660532551548928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Martin Guptill, Fakhar Zaman and&nbsp;Chris Gayle are the other players to have reached the incredibly rare landmark.&nbsp;

Gill also broke the record for the highest score at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium set by Sachin Tendulkar (175) against Australia in 2009.&nbsp;

His innings came to an end in the last over when Glenn Phillips pulled out a stunner of a catch in the deep towards the deep midwicket region.

Winning the toss and batting first, India managed to get off to a decent start as Rohit Sharma and Gill safely played the first powerplay.

However, after Sharma fell prey to Tickner and Virat Kohli was bamboozled by a Santner snorter, the Indian innings wavered a bit. Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav tried to forge a partnership but could not last long.&nbsp;

Gill continued to hold the fort with the lower-middle order, reaching his third ODI century as well as becoming the fastest Indian to complete 1000 runs in the format. He reached the record in 19 innings, surpassing Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan in the process.&nbsp;

In the end, India managed to score 349/8 in the stipulated 50 overs. Apart from Gill, none of the Indian batters managed to reach the half-century mark.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Shubman Gill Double Century: Coming off age, Indian batter Shubman Gill on Wednesday smashed three sixes on the trot to reach his double hundred (208 off 149) and become only the eighth and the youngest player (23 years) in ODI history to achieve the feat.

Shubman Gill Double Century: Coming off age, Indian batter Shubman Gill on Wednesday smashed three sixes on the trot to reach his double hundred (208 off 149) and become only the eighth and the youngest player (23 years) in ODI history to achieve the feat. Gill achieved the milestone during the first ODI against New Zealand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad. His innings was laced with 19 boundaries and nine sweetly timed maximums. Gill joins the small yet illustrious list of Indians to have smashed a double century. Previously, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan have reached the milestone. While Tendulkar and Sehwag have scored a double century in ODI once, current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has achieved the feat thrice, including the highest-ever score of 264. ICYMI - 𝙒𝙃𝘼𝙏. 𝘼. 𝙆𝙉𝙊𝘾𝙆! 💪 💪 That celebration says it ALL 👌 👌 Follow the match 👉 https://t.co/IQq47h2W47 #TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/OSwcj0t1sd — BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2023 × Martin Guptill, Fakhar Zaman and Chris Gayle are the other players to have reached the incredibly rare landmark. Gill also broke the record for the highest score at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium set by Sachin Tendulkar (175) against Australia in 2009. His innings came to an end in the last over when Glenn Phillips pulled out a stunner of a catch in the deep towards the deep midwicket region. Winning the toss and batting first, India managed to get off to a decent start as Rohit Sharma and Gill safely played the first powerplay. However, after Sharma fell prey to Tickner and Virat Kohli was bamboozled by a Santner snorter, the Indian innings wavered a bit. Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav tried to forge a partnership but could not last long. Gill continued to hold the fort with the lower-middle order, reaching his third ODI century as well as becoming the fastest Indian to complete 1000 runs in the format. He reached the record in 19 innings, surpassing Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan in the process. In the end, India managed to score 349/8 in the stipulated 50 overs. Apart from Gill, none of the Indian batters managed to reach the half-century mark. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | UNBELIEVABLE 200! Shubman Gill becomes the youngest player to smash an ODI double hundred

Ahead of the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka on Tuesday evening (January 10), captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Shubman Gill will continue to be persisted as his opening partner, with no room for Ishan Kishan. Kishan had replaced an injured Rohit in the third and inconsequential ODI versus Bangladesh, in early December, and made the most of his opportunity to score a double ton. Many believed that Kishan had done enough to cement his spot as an opener, with Shikhar Dhawan dropped, but the Indian team management want to persist with Shubman.&nbsp;

Speaking on his opening partner, Rohit said in the pre-match presser on Monday (January 09),&nbsp;"Both openers (Gill and Kishan) have done really well. But looking at how both have gone through, I think it is fair that we give Gill a chance to have a fair run because in the last games Gill got a lot of runs as well. I am not going to take anything from Ishan. He has been&nbsp;wonderful for us. He got a double hundred and I know what it takes to get a double hundred, it is a great achievement. But just to be honest and be fair to the guys who have done really well before that we need to give those guys enough chances as well."

Rohit added on Kishan, "It is unfortunate that we won't be able to play Ishan but looking at how things have panned out for us in the last 8-9 months, looking at how the ODIs have gone through for us, it is fair to give Gill that run and he has done extremely well in that position. We will definitely try out and keep Ishan in the mix and see how things pan out for us as we play lot of games ahead." In Gill's defence, he has been&nbsp;among runs in the West Indies, Zimbabwe and New Zealand tour but wasn't part of the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series, with the return of the key players. Hence, when Kishan was in the squad and scored a double ton when he got a chance in the playing XI, many believed he would pip Gill to open versus SL.

Thus, former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad reacted to Kishan's omission. He tweeted, replying to a cricket portal's post, and wrote, "Think fair would have been to give chance to a man who scored a double hundred in India’s last ODI, and in a series where India lost two games and the series. Have all the time in the world for Gill, but no way you drop a player for scoring a double ton."

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Think fair would have been to give chance to a man who scored a double hundred in India’s last ODI, and in a series where India lost two games and the series. 
Have all the time in the world for Gill, but no way you drop a player for scoring a double ton. <a href="https://t.co/LbzKKH8ynw">https://t.co/LbzKKH8ynw</a>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1612451607114911745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-young-fan-in-tears-after-seeing-rohit-sharma-team-india-captains-reaction-goes-viral-watch-550975">IND vs SL: Young fan in tears after seeing Rohit Sharma, Team India captain's reaction goes viral - WATCH</a>

In the ongoing first ODI between India and SL, Rohit &amp; Co. lost the toss and were opted to bat first. Rohit and Gill stitched an impressive 143-run first-wicket stand with the youngster returning with a sublime 60-ball 73, studded with 11 fours. For him to cement his place as the second opener, Gill has been consistent but will hope to score some daddy hundreds.&nbsp;

For Kishan, he will surely feel unlucky&nbsp;to have missed out despite scoring the fourth double ton by an Indian in ODIs. However, India have a lot of white-ball cricket to play en route the IPL 2023 edition. Hence, he will aim to once again make the most of his opportunities.

Ahead of the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka on Tuesday evening (January 10), captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Shubman Gill will continue to be persisted as his opening partner, with no room for Ishan Kishan.

Ahead of the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka on Tuesday evening (January 10), captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Shubman Gill will continue to be persisted as his opening partner, with no room for Ishan Kishan. Kishan had replaced an injured Rohit in the third and inconsequential ODI versus Bangladesh, in early December, and made the most of his opportunity to score a double ton. Many believed that Kishan had done enough to cement his spot as an opener, with Shikhar Dhawan dropped, but the Indian team management want to persist with Shubman. Speaking on his opening partner, Rohit said in the pre-match presser on Monday (January 09), "Both openers (Gill and Kishan) have done really well. But looking at how both have gone through, I think it is fair that we give Gill a chance to have a fair run because in the last games Gill got a lot of runs as well. I am not going to take anything from Ishan. He has been wonderful for us. He got a double hundred and I know what it takes to get a double hundred, it is a great achievement. But just to be honest and be fair to the guys who have done really well before that we need to give those guys enough chances as well." Rohit added on Kishan, "It is unfortunate that we won't be able to play Ishan but looking at how things have panned out for us in the last 8-9 months, looking at how the ODIs have gone through for us, it is fair to give Gill that run and he has done extremely well in that position. We will definitely try out and keep Ishan in the mix and see how things pan out for us as we play lot of games ahead." In Gill's defence, he has been among runs in the West Indies, Zimbabwe and New Zealand tour but wasn't part of the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series, with the return of the key players. Hence, when Kishan was in the squad and scored a double ton when he got a chance in the playing XI, many believed he would pip Gill to open versus SL. Thus, former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad reacted to Kishan's omission. He tweeted, replying to a cricket portal's post, and wrote, "Think fair would have been to give chance to a man who scored a double hundred in India’s last ODI, and in a series where India lost two games and the series. Have all the time in the world for Gill, but no way you drop a player for scoring a double ton." Think fair would have been to give chance to a man who scored a double hundred in India’s last ODI, and in a series where India lost two games and the series. Have all the time in the world for Gill, but no way you drop a player for scoring a double ton. https://t.co/LbzKKH8ynw — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) January 9, 2023 × Also read: IND vs SL: Young fan in tears after seeing Rohit Sharma, Team India captain's reaction goes viral - WATCH In the ongoing first ODI between India and SL, Rohit & Co. lost the toss and were opted to bat first. Rohit and Gill stitched an impressive 143-run first-wicket stand with the youngster returning with a sublime 60-ball 73, studded with 11 fours. For him to cement his place as the second opener, Gill has been consistent but will hope to score some daddy hundreds. For Kishan, he will surely feel unlucky to have missed out despite scoring the fourth double ton by an Indian in ODIs. However, India have a lot of white-ball cricket to play en route the IPL 2023 edition. Hence, he will aim to once again make the most of his opportunities.

'No way you...': Former Indian speedster blasts Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma for dropping Ishan Kishan

Returning India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed his opening partner ahead of the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati. With Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan fighting for one place, picking one of them was always going to be tough. The skipper, however, has made up his mind. Speaking to the media on eve of the first match, Rohit confirmed that Shubman Gill will be opening alongside&nbsp;him while the double-centurion in his last ODI outing&nbsp;– Ishan Kishan will be warming the bench.

Explaining this decision, Rohit said Gill has&nbsp;been a proven opener in this format having done well in the past one year;&nbsp;and that the management wants to give him a fair chance going forward.

"Both openers (Gill and Kishan) have done really well. But looking at how both have gone through, I think it is fair that we give Gill a chance to have a fair run because in the last games Gill got a lot of runs as well," Rohit Sharma said in a presser ahead of the first One-Dayer.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-need-to-former-indian-stumper-opines-on-rohit-sharma-virat-kohlis-t20i-future-550755">'No need to....' Former Indian stumper opines on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's T20I future</a>

Talking about Ishan Kishan, Rohit said the left-handed batter has been excellent for team but despite scoring big lately, the team wants to give an extended rope to those who were doing well before Ishan slammed a record-breaking double hundred against Bangladesh.

"I am not going to take anything from Ishan. He has been wonderful for us. He got a double hundred and I know what it takes to get a double hundred, it is a great achievement. But just to be honest and be fair to the guys who have done really well before that we need to give those guys enough chances as well," Rohit said.

Though Rohit said it is unfortunate for Ishan to be missing out, he would very well remain in the scheme of things in the build-up to the World Cup.

"It is unfortunate that we won't be able to play Ishan but looking at how things have panned out for us in the last 8-9 months, looking at how the ODIs have gone through for us, it is fair to give Gill that run and he has done extremely well in that position. We will definitely try out and keep Ishan in the mix and see how things pan out for us as we play lot of games ahead," he added.

Meanwhile, the first of the three ODIs will be played in Guwahati on January 10th. The match will begin at 1:30 PM IST and will be telecasted on the Star network on TV and on Hotstar app online.

Returning India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed his opening partner ahead of the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati. With Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan fighting for one place, picking one of them was always going to be tough.

Returning India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed his opening partner ahead of the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati. With Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan fighting for one place, picking one of them was always going to be tough. The skipper, however, has made up his mind. Speaking to the media on eve of the first match, Rohit confirmed that Shubman Gill will be opening alongside him while the double-centurion in his last ODI outing – Ishan Kishan will be warming the bench. Explaining this decision, Rohit said Gill has been a proven opener in this format having done well in the past one year; and that the management wants to give him a fair chance going forward. "Both openers (Gill and Kishan) have done really well. But looking at how both have gone through, I think it is fair that we give Gill a chance to have a fair run because in the last games Gill got a lot of runs as well," Rohit Sharma said in a presser ahead of the first One-Dayer. ALSO READ: 'No need to....' Former Indian stumper opines on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's T20I future Talking about Ishan Kishan, Rohit said the left-handed batter has been excellent for team but despite scoring big lately, the team wants to give an extended rope to those who were doing well before Ishan slammed a record-breaking double hundred against Bangladesh. "I am not going to take anything from Ishan. He has been wonderful for us. He got a double hundred and I know what it takes to get a double hundred, it is a great achievement. But just to be honest and be fair to the guys who have done really well before that we need to give those guys enough chances as well," Rohit said. Though Rohit said it is unfortunate for Ishan to be missing out, he would very well remain in the scheme of things in the build-up to the World Cup. "It is unfortunate that we won't be able to play Ishan but looking at how things have panned out for us in the last 8-9 months, looking at how the ODIs have gone through for us, it is fair to give Gill that run and he has done extremely well in that position. We will definitely try out and keep Ishan in the mix and see how things pan out for us as we play lot of games ahead," he added. Meanwhile, the first of the three ODIs will be played in Guwahati on January 10th. The match will begin at 1:30 PM IST and will be telecasted on the Star network on TV and on Hotstar app online.

IND vs SL 2023: Ishan Kishan or Shubman Gill? Rohit Sharma confirms his opening partner for 1st ODI

Ishan Kishan ended 2022 with a bang by becoming only the fourth Indian -- seventh overall -- to slam an ODI double ton during the Indian tour of Bangladesh in December. Playing the third and inconsequential tie due to regular captain Rohit Sharma's thumb injury, the 24-year-old made the most of the opportunity and slammed a majestic 131-ball 210, laced with 24 fours and 10 sixes. Thus, Ishan made a big statement with India stepping into 2023, i.e. an ODI World Cup year with Men in Blue set to host the mega event.

Ahead of India's first international assignment in 2023, the BCCI selection committee -- under outgoing chief Chetan Sharma -- announced the national side's white-ball squads for their home series versus Sri Lanka, starting on January 03. While there was no mention of first-choice Rishabh Pant -- a first-choice keeper-batter across formats -- Kishan found his name in both the squads. With Shikhar Dhawan dropped, India still has&nbsp;quite a few batters who can accompany Rohit at the top. But, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir is crystal clear that Kishan deserves to partner Rohit in ODIs..

As quoted by Cricinfo, Gambhir said that the discussion about who should be Sharma's partner at the top should be over following Kishan's blitz. "I'm amazed we're discussing this, because someone's got a double-hundred in the previous innings," Gambhir pointed out when asked to name his choice on who should open with Rohit. "The discussion is over. It has to be Ishan Kishan. Someone who can get a double-hundred in those conditions against a reasonable attack - especially at [their] home - should play."

"He got what 200 by the 35th over mark? You can't look at anyone beyond Ishan Kishan. He has to be given a longer run. He can keep wickets as well, so he can do two jobs for you. So for me, that discussion shouldn't be there. If someone else had got a double-hundred, I think we would've gone gung-ho over that individual, but it's not the case with Ishan Kishan. Because we still continue to talk about other players. For me, that debate is over," he asserted.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-moment-you-start-gautam-gambhir-shares-his-take-on-kl-rahuls-struggles-ahead-of-sl-odis-547750">'The moment you start...' - Gautam Gambhir shares his take on KL Rahul's struggles ahead of SL ODIs</a>

Further, Gambhir mentioned his ideal India XI at this moment. "It's very difficult to look beyond Rohit and Ishan Kishan to open the batting, Virat at three, Surya at four, [and] Shreyas at five, because he's been incredible in the last one-and-a-half years. Yes, he's had issues against the short ball, but he's been able to manage it. You can't be the best against everything but if you're able to manage it and got the numbers going for you, you can't look beyond Shreyas at No. 5 and Hardik [Pandya] at 6."

India, under Hardik Pandya, will host SL in three T20Is -- from January 3 in Mumbai -- before the ODI series kicks off on January 10.

India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar.

India’s squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh. 
 
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Ishan Kishan ended 2022 with a bang by becoming only the fourth Indian -- seventh overall -- to slam an ODI double ton during the Indian tour of Bangladesh in December.

Ishan Kishan ended 2022 with a bang by becoming only the fourth Indian -- seventh overall -- to slam an ODI double ton during the Indian tour of Bangladesh in December. Playing the third and inconsequential tie due to regular captain Rohit Sharma's thumb injury, the 24-year-old made the most of the opportunity and slammed a majestic 131-ball 210, laced with 24 fours and 10 sixes. Thus, Ishan made a big statement with India stepping into 2023, i.e. an ODI World Cup year with Men in Blue set to host the mega event. Ahead of India's first international assignment in 2023, the BCCI selection committee -- under outgoing chief Chetan Sharma -- announced the national side's white-ball squads for their home series versus Sri Lanka, starting on January 03. While there was no mention of first-choice Rishabh Pant -- a first-choice keeper-batter across formats -- Kishan found his name in both the squads. With Shikhar Dhawan dropped, India still has quite a few batters who can accompany Rohit at the top. But, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir is crystal clear that Kishan deserves to partner Rohit in ODIs.. As quoted by Cricinfo, Gambhir said that the discussion about who should be Sharma's partner at the top should be over following Kishan's blitz. "I'm amazed we're discussing this, because someone's got a double-hundred in the previous innings," Gambhir pointed out when asked to name his choice on who should open with Rohit. "The discussion is over. It has to be Ishan Kishan. Someone who can get a double-hundred in those conditions against a reasonable attack - especially at [their] home - should play." "He got what 200 by the 35th over mark? You can't look at anyone beyond Ishan Kishan. He has to be given a longer run. He can keep wickets as well, so he can do two jobs for you. So for me, that discussion shouldn't be there. If someone else had got a double-hundred, I think we would've gone gung-ho over that individual, but it's not the case with Ishan Kishan. Because we still continue to talk about other players. For me, that debate is over," he asserted. Also read: 'The moment you start...' - Gautam Gambhir shares his take on KL Rahul's struggles ahead of SL ODIs Further, Gambhir mentioned his ideal India XI at this moment. "It's very difficult to look beyond Rohit and Ishan Kishan to open the batting, Virat at three, Surya at four, [and] Shreyas at five, because he's been incredible in the last one-and-a-half years. Yes, he's had issues against the short ball, but he's been able to manage it. You can't be the best against everything but if you're able to manage it and got the numbers going for you, you can't look beyond Shreyas at No. 5 and Hardik [Pandya] at 6." India, under Hardik Pandya, will host SL in three T20Is -- from January 3 in Mumbai -- before the ODI series kicks off on January 10. India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar. India’s squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

The discussion is over: Gambhir feels 'it has to be Ishan Kishan' who should open with Rohit in ODIs

Stand-in captain KL Rahul had a good run leading the Indian team in the just-concluded Bangladesh Test, which the tourists won 2-0. He, however, fell flat as a batter while opening the innings with Shubman Gill. Rahul only managed scores of 22, 23, 10 and 2 in the four outings whereas Gill scored his maiden hundred in the format during the series opener in Chattogram.

After the Bangladesh Tests, India have a stern task ahead as they gear up to host Australia in the upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home, starting on February 09. Ahead of the marquee series, on home soil, veteran Indian keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has issued a warning to Rahul to up his game or he will be left out with Gill's rising stocks.

“I would give KL those couple of Test matches, but if things don’t go KL Rahul’s way;&nbsp;the one thing that does go against him is the fact that he has played over 40 Tests and his average is just mid-30s. That is not acceptable for an opener. That is one of the lowest among Indian players for sure, who have played 35 Test matches,"&nbsp;Karthik said while speaking on Cricbuzz.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ban-vs-ind-he-was-sent-to-pujara-on-why-axar-patel-was-promoted-ahead-of-virat-kohli-in-2nd-test-546604">BAN vs IND: 'He was sent to...' - Pujara on why Axar Patel was promoted ahead of Virat Kohli in 2nd Test</a>

Karthik added, "That is something that he needs to definitely work on. That will be on his mind. If he wants to cement his place in the Test team, he needs to get a couple of hundreds against Australia. Otherwise, you can definitely see a change, with Shubman Gill doing so well."

There have been reports of Rahul being dropped from India's T20I line-up as well. The Men in Blue will host Sri Lanka, followed by New Zealand, in a white-ball series before the BG Trophy versus Pat Cummins' Australia.

Stand-in captain KL Rahul had a good run leading the Indian team in the just-concluded Bangladesh Test, which the tourists won 2-0. He, however, fell flat as a batter while opening the innings with Shubman Gill.

Stand-in captain KL Rahul had a good run leading the Indian team in the just-concluded Bangladesh Test, which the tourists won 2-0. He, however, fell flat as a batter while opening the innings with Shubman Gill. Rahul only managed scores of 22, 23, 10 and 2 in the four outings whereas Gill scored his maiden hundred in the format during the series opener in Chattogram. After the Bangladesh Tests, India have a stern task ahead as they gear up to host Australia in the upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home, starting on February 09. Ahead of the marquee series, on home soil, veteran Indian keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has issued a warning to Rahul to up his game or he will be left out with Gill's rising stocks. “I would give KL those couple of Test matches, but if things don’t go KL Rahul’s way; the one thing that does go against him is the fact that he has played over 40 Tests and his average is just mid-30s. That is not acceptable for an opener. That is one of the lowest among Indian players for sure, who have played 35 Test matches," Karthik said while speaking on Cricbuzz. Also read: BAN vs IND: 'He was sent to...' - Pujara on why Axar Patel was promoted ahead of Virat Kohli in 2nd Test Karthik added, "That is something that he needs to definitely work on. That will be on his mind. If he wants to cement his place in the Test team, he needs to get a couple of hundreds against Australia. Otherwise, you can definitely see a change, with Shubman Gill doing so well." There have been reports of Rahul being dropped from India's T20I line-up as well. The Men in Blue will host Sri Lanka, followed by New Zealand, in a white-ball series before the BG Trophy versus Pat Cummins' Australia.

'That is not acceptable...': Dinesh Karthik issues warning for KL Rahul amid Shubman Gill's rising Test stocks

India wrapped up Bangladesh's second innings on 324 inside the first session on&nbsp;day 4 to win the Chattogram Test by 188 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the 2-match series. Spinners Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav rescued India after Bangladesh started off well in their chase of 493 on the previous day.

While Kuldeep finished the match with 8 wickets to his name, including a record-breaking five-for in the first innings, Axar picked up 4 wickets in the second innings to hand India a much-needed win.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-women-v-australia-women-4th-t20i-india-lose-by-7-runs-australia-take-unassailable-3-1-lead-544105">India women v Australia women: 4th T20I: India lose by 7 runs, Australia take unassailable 3-1 lead</a>

Batting first, India scored 404 with three of its players completing fifties including Cheteshwar Pujara, Sheryas Iyer and bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin. Making his return to the Test side after nearly 22 months, Kuldeep also contributed with the bat with a crucial 40.

While bowling, he spun the web around the Bangladeshi batsmen, picking up his maiden five-wicket haul against them&nbsp;in Tests. India, after dismissing Bangladesh on a mere 150 in their first innings decided to&nbsp;bat again.

This time, the young opener Shubman Gill slammed his first Test hundred&nbsp;with Pujara also ending his century drought in Tests with a stunning 102* off 130. India declared on 258-2 and gave the hosts a monumental target of 493 to chase.

In the fourth innings, debutant&nbsp;Zakir Hasan scored his maiden Test hundred while his fellow opener Najmul Hossain Shanto also played a handy role with an important 67. It was only about time before wickets started to fall and despite little resistance from skipper Shakib Al Hasan who hit an impressive 84, Bangladesh fell short of the target by 188 runs.

The second match of the series will begin on 22nd December in Dhaka.

India wrapped up Bangladesh's second innings on 324 inside the first session on day 4 to win the Chattogram Test by 188 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the 2-match series.

India wrapped up Bangladesh's second innings on 324 inside the first session on day 4 to win the Chattogram Test by 188 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the 2-match series. Spinners Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav rescued India after Bangladesh started off well in their chase of 493 on the previous day. While Kuldeep finished the match with 8 wickets to his name, including a record-breaking five-for in the first innings, Axar picked up 4 wickets in the second innings to hand India a much-needed win. ALSO READ: India women v Australia women: 4th T20I: India lose by 7 runs, Australia take unassailable 3-1 lead Batting first, India scored 404 with three of its players completing fifties including Cheteshwar Pujara, Sheryas Iyer and bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin. Making his return to the Test side after nearly 22 months, Kuldeep also contributed with the bat with a crucial 40. While bowling, he spun the web around the Bangladeshi batsmen, picking up his maiden five-wicket haul against them in Tests. India, after dismissing Bangladesh on a mere 150 in their first innings decided to bat again. This time, the young opener Shubman Gill slammed his first Test hundred with Pujara also ending his century drought in Tests with a stunning 102* off 130. India declared on 258-2 and gave the hosts a monumental target of 493 to chase. In the fourth innings, debutant Zakir Hasan scored his maiden Test hundred while his fellow opener Najmul Hossain Shanto also played a handy role with an important 67. It was only about time before wickets started to fall and despite little resistance from skipper Shakib Al Hasan who hit an impressive 84, Bangladesh fell short of the target by 188 runs. The second match of the series will begin on 22nd December in Dhaka.

BAN vs IND 2022, 1st Test: Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill shine in India's 188-run win over Bangladesh

India captain Rohit Sharma is currently injured and out of the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. Rohit suffered a finger injury during the 2nd ODI in Dhaka and upon consulting the private doctor in Mumbai he was advised rest. The recent reports, however, have claimed that Rohit could get fit in time for the 2nd Test, starting December 22nd and will also be available for selection. If that happens, who should be sitting out, the current stand-in skipper KL Rahul or the century-scorer in the ongoing Test Shubman Gill? India commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has an answer.

Speaking to Sony Sports Network, Sanjay said if Rohit is fit and selected for the second Test, KL being the preferred opener could well retain his place&nbsp;while Shubman Gill who just scored his maiden Test ton could be benched.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ban-vs-ind-2022-india-captain-rohit-sharma-likely-to-return-for-2nd-test-reports-543771">BAN vs IND 2022: India captain Rohit Sharma likely to return for 2nd Test – Reports</a>

"This guy (Gill) has got a hundred, he has looked good. Let’s imagine if Rohit Sharma is fit, KL Rahul and Rohit are your first-choice openers; you have to go back to Rohit Sharma. He is your captain. KL Rahul is not getting as many runs as he would like but they are not going to leave KL Rahul out," Sanjay said.

Even in the past we have seen players getting benched or worse dropped after producing excellent performances in their previous innings. The best example is that of Karun Nair, who despite scoring his maiden triple hundred against England in Chennai, 2016 was benched for incoming Ajinkya Rahane for the following Test in Mumbai.

Giving an example of the same, the former India player said, "Shubman Gill may have to sit out. Ajinkya Rahane, it happened with him once, I think. It has happened before Indian cricket."

Meanwhile, there is no confirmation as to whether will Rohit Sharma return for the second Test or not.

In the ongoing first Test match, Bangladesh are chasing 493 and are currently reeling at 118 for 0 at lunch on day 4 in Chattogram.

India captain Rohit Sharma is currently injured and out of the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. Rohit suffered a finger injury during the 2nd ODI in Dhaka and upon consulting the private doctor in Mumbai he was advised rest.

India captain Rohit Sharma is currently injured and out of the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. Rohit suffered a finger injury during the 2nd ODI in Dhaka and upon consulting the private doctor in Mumbai he was advised rest. The recent reports, however, have claimed that Rohit could get fit in time for the 2nd Test, starting December 22nd and will also be available for selection. If that happens, who should be sitting out, the current stand-in skipper KL Rahul or the century-scorer in the ongoing Test Shubman Gill? India commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has an answer. Speaking to Sony Sports Network, Sanjay said if Rohit is fit and selected for the second Test, KL being the preferred opener could well retain his place while Shubman Gill who just scored his maiden Test ton could be benched. ALSO READ: BAN vs IND 2022: India captain Rohit Sharma likely to return for 2nd Test – Reports "This guy (Gill) has got a hundred, he has looked good. Let’s imagine if Rohit Sharma is fit, KL Rahul and Rohit are your first-choice openers; you have to go back to Rohit Sharma. He is your captain. KL Rahul is not getting as many runs as he would like but they are not going to leave KL Rahul out," Sanjay said. Even in the past we have seen players getting benched or worse dropped after producing excellent performances in their previous innings. The best example is that of Karun Nair, who despite scoring his maiden triple hundred against England in Chennai, 2016 was benched for incoming Ajinkya Rahane for the following Test in Mumbai. Giving an example of the same, the former India player said, "Shubman Gill may have to sit out. Ajinkya Rahane, it happened with him once, I think. It has happened before Indian cricket." Meanwhile, there is no confirmation as to whether will Rohit Sharma return for the second Test or not. In the ongoing first Test match, Bangladesh are chasing 493 and are currently reeling at 118 for 0 at lunch on day 4 in Chattogram.

BAN vs IND 2022: If Rohit Sharma returns, Shubman Gill might have to sit out, opines Sanjay Manjrekar

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