<p>Indian opener Shubman Gill suffered a serious injury due to which the young gun has been ruled out of the five-match Test series against England. Gill's injury makes way for one of the benched players.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-england-vs-india-to-kick-off-the-second-wtc-cycle-with-tweaked-points-system-394966" hreflang="en">Cricket: England vs India to kick off the second WTC cycle, with tweaked points system</a></p>

<p>According to several reports, Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari are among the top contenders to replace Gill for the series against England. As per Times of India, KL Rahul is more likely to enter the playing XI as a middle-order batsman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Rahul’s game against the new ball has not been up to the mark over the last year. He could be a very good option down the order. Vihari has shown he has the ability to play out the new ball,” a source told TOI.</p>

<p>Shubman Gill is reportedly very upset with the situation as the young batsman has been ruled out of what could have been a career-defining series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Shubman is very upset right now. The injury looks bad. BCCI is contacting the best professionals to get Shubman treated in England. While the team management wishes that he recovers in time for the series, it looks unrealistic. It needs to be seen if he needs a surgery,” the source said.</p>

<p>The five-match red-ball series will kick off on August 4. The last time Men in Blue played a Test series in English conditions, they suffered a 4-1 loss (in 2017).</p>

<p>The forthcoming five Tests against England will give Team India ostensibly the best chance to put any demons to rest in England. A determined series win would not just recuperate the wounds of the previous few years yet, in addition, clear any questions about the team's future possibilities.</p>


Indian opener Shubman Gill suffered a serious injury due to which the young gun has been ruled out of the five-match Test series against England. Gill's injury makes way for one of the benched players.

Indian opener Shubman Gill suffered a serious injury due to which the young gun has been ruled out of the five-match Test series against England. Gill's injury makes way for one of the benched players. ALSO READ: Cricket: England vs India to kick off the second WTC cycle, with tweaked points system According to several reports, Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari are among the top contenders to replace Gill for the series against England. As per Times of India, KL Rahul is more likely to enter the playing XI as a middle-order batsman. “Rahul’s game against the new ball has not been up to the mark over the last year. He could be a very good option down the order. Vihari has shown he has the ability to play out the new ball,” a source told TOI. Shubman Gill is reportedly very upset with the situation as the young batsman has been ruled out of what could have been a career-defining series. “Shubman is very upset right now. The injury looks bad. BCCI is contacting the best professionals to get Shubman treated in England. While the team management wishes that he recovers in time for the series, it looks unrealistic. It needs to be seen if he needs a surgery,” the source said. The five-match red-ball series will kick off on August 4. The last time Men in Blue played a Test series in English conditions, they suffered a 4-1 loss (in 2017). The forthcoming five Tests against England will give Team India ostensibly the best chance to put any demons to rest in England. A determined series win would not just recuperate the wounds of the previous few years yet, in addition, clear any questions about the team's future possibilities.

Mayank Agarwal or Hanuma Vihari likely to replace injured Gill for England Tests: Reports

<p>Team India has a respectable break ahead of the five-Test match series against England. Following their loss to New Zealand in the last of the World Test Championship, India have the opportunity to adjust and chip away at the spaces that let them down in Southampton against New Zealand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunil Gavaskar has proposed an adjustment of the opening combination for the Test series against England. He believes that Mayank Agarwal ought to get approval instead of Shubman Gill to open the innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's last three tours through England show that Team India is not very comfortable against the moving Dukes ball in the UK. They last won a Test series in England in 2007 under Rahul Dravid, however have since lost 0-4, 1-3, 1-4 in resulting visits in 2011, 2014, and 2018 separately. '</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-tim-paine-eats-humble-pie-after-predicting-indias-easy-win-in-wtc-final-394089" hreflang="en">Cricket: Tim Paine eats 'humble pie' after predicting India's easy win in WTC Final</a></p>

<p>In a conversation with SportsTak, Sunil Gavaskar feels it can begin by reshuffling India's opening blend: "Mayank Agarwal has done a really good job for India, twice he's scored a double century opening the innings. It’s a good thing that the BCCI and Jay Shah have taken the initiative to conduct some warm-up matches before the England Tests so there you can decide who between Gill and Agarwal can open for India."</p>

<p>"Make them open the innings together because Rohit Sharma is a certainty and he can be rested for a game. That would give you an idea of who has the better technique for English conditions. And then based on that, they can make a decision whether they want to play Mayank Agarwal or Shubman Gill."</p>

<p>According to him, Shubman Gill's concern lies in his absence of footwork, and Sunil Gavaskar figures it is something that was featured in the WTC final in England however even at home when the batsman's runs evaporated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Gill's footwork isn't much. He only goes in front and that's not the case with him only in England. Even in the series in India, there too, he had just one movement which is forward. There's no effort to go on the back foot and that is why he plays across the line" - he said.</p>

<p>"Because once your feet go forward, with that balance, it's tough to get back on the backfoot if the length is slightly short, is tough. So he needs to work hard, there's no doubt about his talent. But if he works a bit hard, he will get the reward."</p>

<p>Mayank Agarwal has remained uninvolved subsequent to encountering two bad games in Australia and since Shubman Gill had a rich series down under. Mayank Agarwal averages a solid 45.74 in 14 Tests by scoring 1052 runs, scoring three centuries. With the BCCI a few warm-up games before the series, the management could offer Mayank Agarwal a few chances in those prior to choosing if he could turn into Shubman Gill's substitution at the top.</p>


Team India has a respectable break ahead of the five-Test match series against England. Following their loss to New Zealand in the last of the World Test Championship, India have the opportunity to adjust and chip away at the spaces that let them down in Southampton against New Zealand.

Team India has a respectable break ahead of the five-Test match series against England. Following their loss to New Zealand in the last of the World Test Championship, India have the opportunity to adjust and chip away at the spaces that let them down in Southampton against New Zealand. Sunil Gavaskar has proposed an adjustment of the opening combination for the Test series against England. He believes that Mayank Agarwal ought to get approval instead of Shubman Gill to open the innings. India's last three tours through England show that Team India is not very comfortable against the moving Dukes ball in the UK. They last won a Test series in England in 2007 under Rahul Dravid, however have since lost 0-4, 1-3, 1-4 in resulting visits in 2011, 2014, and 2018 separately. ' ALSO READ: Cricket: Tim Paine eats 'humble pie' after predicting India's easy win in WTC Final In a conversation with SportsTak, Sunil Gavaskar feels it can begin by reshuffling India's opening blend: "Mayank Agarwal has done a really good job for India, twice he's scored a double century opening the innings. It’s a good thing that the BCCI and Jay Shah have taken the initiative to conduct some warm-up matches before the England Tests so there you can decide who between Gill and Agarwal can open for India." "Make them open the innings together because Rohit Sharma is a certainty and he can be rested for a game. That would give you an idea of who has the better technique for English conditions. And then based on that, they can make a decision whether they want to play Mayank Agarwal or Shubman Gill." According to him, Shubman Gill's concern lies in his absence of footwork, and Sunil Gavaskar figures it is something that was featured in the WTC final in England however even at home when the batsman's runs evaporated. "Gill's footwork isn't much. He only goes in front and that's not the case with him only in England. Even in the series in India, there too, he had just one movement which is forward. There's no effort to go on the back foot and that is why he plays across the line" - he said. "Because once your feet go forward, with that balance, it's tough to get back on the backfoot if the length is slightly short, is tough. So he needs to work hard, there's no doubt about his talent. But if he works a bit hard, he will get the reward." Mayank Agarwal has remained uninvolved subsequent to encountering two bad games in Australia and since Shubman Gill had a rich series down under. Mayank Agarwal averages a solid 45.74 in 14 Tests by scoring 1052 runs, scoring three centuries. With the BCCI a few warm-up games before the series, the management could offer Mayank Agarwal a few chances in those prior to choosing if he could turn into Shubman Gill's substitution at the top.

Cricket: Sunil Gavaskar suggests a potential change for India ahead of England Tests

<p>Shubman Gill feels that the bad light stopped the Indian team to have a go at Ross Taylor and make further damage into New Zealand batting on Day 3 of the World Test Championship final in Southampton.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the finish of Day 3, Shubman Gill addressed the virtual media meeting and assessed the day for the Indian team.</p>

<p>"Conway was a crucial wicket for us and I feel that if we would have been able to bowl a few overs to Ross Taylor, we might have been able to get a couple of more wickets. We would have a slight edge tomorrow as both batsmen are relatively new at the crease," the young batsman said.</p>

<p>New Zealand finished at 101 for two with Conway being dismissed at the stroke of stumps.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-kyle-jamieson-surpasses-r-ashwin-nathan-lyon-with-most-five-wicket-hauls-in-world-test-championship-392787" hreflang="en">Cricket: Kyle Jamieson surpasses R Ashwin, Nathan Lyon with most five-wicket hauls in World Test Championship</a></strong></p>

<p>Gill said that it's anything but an issue as they have now failed to cross 250 against New Zealand on five progressive events.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think the Tests we played in New Zealand in 2020, we didn't have too much time to prepare as the focus was more on ODIs and T20s. As you said, we haven't been able to cross 250 in the last five Tests. This Test also we were in a solid position but we lost a couple of early wickets today. But hopefully, if we get some time, in next innings, we will cross 250" - he said</p>

<p>Gill applauded Kyle Jamieson for his five-wicket pull yet additionally felt that Indian pacers didn't have the rub of the green turning out well for them despite bowling great during the last two sessions.</p>

<p>"Jamieson was bowling well during the first spell but he didn't get many wickets. But he got his reward today and I feel our bowlers also bowled well. However, luck didn't favour us and there were a couple of half-chances that didn't go our way. Hopefully, tomorrow is a new day and it will bring us some luck."</p>


Shubman Gill feels that the bad light stopped the Indian team to have a go at Ross Taylor and make further damage into New Zealand batting on Day 3 of the World Test Championship final in Southampton.

Shubman Gill feels that the bad light stopped the Indian team to have a go at Ross Taylor and make further damage into New Zealand batting on Day 3 of the World Test Championship final in Southampton. After the finish of Day 3, Shubman Gill addressed the virtual media meeting and assessed the day for the Indian team. "Conway was a crucial wicket for us and I feel that if we would have been able to bowl a few overs to Ross Taylor, we might have been able to get a couple of more wickets. We would have a slight edge tomorrow as both batsmen are relatively new at the crease," the young batsman said. New Zealand finished at 101 for two with Conway being dismissed at the stroke of stumps. ALSO READ: Cricket: Kyle Jamieson surpasses R Ashwin, Nathan Lyon with most five-wicket hauls in World Test Championship Gill said that it's anything but an issue as they have now failed to cross 250 against New Zealand on five progressive events. "I think the Tests we played in New Zealand in 2020, we didn't have too much time to prepare as the focus was more on ODIs and T20s. As you said, we haven't been able to cross 250 in the last five Tests. This Test also we were in a solid position but we lost a couple of early wickets today. But hopefully, if we get some time, in next innings, we will cross 250" - he said Gill applauded Kyle Jamieson for his five-wicket pull yet additionally felt that Indian pacers didn't have the rub of the green turning out well for them despite bowling great during the last two sessions. "Jamieson was bowling well during the first spell but he didn't get many wickets. But he got his reward today and I feel our bowlers also bowled well. However, luck didn't favour us and there were a couple of half-chances that didn't go our way. Hopefully, tomorrow is a new day and it will bring us some luck."

WTC Final: Ross Taylor's wicket could have given us edge, says Shubman Gill after bad light suspends play

<p>Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar was impressed with Shubman Gill's solid performance on Day 2 of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl in Southampton.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beauty-about-test-cricket-is-you-are-always-aspiring-to-be-perfect-says-ravichandran-ashwin-392695" hreflang="en">The beauty about Test cricket is you are always aspiring to be perfect, says Ravichandran Ashwin</a></p>

<p>Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a strong start to the Men in Blue after Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to field first.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The duo put up 62 runs on the stand for the opening wicket before Sharma got dismissed on 34, whereas, Gill got dismissed on 28 by Jamieson and Wagner respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunil Gavaskar, who was commentating during the match, was impressed with the young gun's temperament and said that he could become a great player.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He has the temperament to become a great player," Gavaskar in the commentary box during Gill's innings, which comprised three fours.</p>

<p>According to Gavaskar, Gill will score multiple centuries for India. The young gun has scored three half-centuries in his short career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The first hundred is always the toughest one because that journey from scoring a half century to reaching three figures is not that easy," Gavaskar said. "Batsmen tend to feel settled somewhere around 70-80 run mark and start taking the bowlers on and lose their wicket in that way. He just needs to get his first hundred and then a lot more will follow."</p>


Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar was impressed with Shubman Gill's solid performance on Day 2 of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar was impressed with Shubman Gill's solid performance on Day 2 of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl in Southampton. ALSO READ: The beauty about Test cricket is you are always aspiring to be perfect, says Ravichandran Ashwin Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a strong start to the Men in Blue after Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to field first. The duo put up 62 runs on the stand for the opening wicket before Sharma got dismissed on 34, whereas, Gill got dismissed on 28 by Jamieson and Wagner respectively. Sunil Gavaskar, who was commentating during the match, was impressed with the young gun's temperament and said that he could become a great player. "He has the temperament to become a great player," Gavaskar in the commentary box during Gill's innings, which comprised three fours. According to Gavaskar, Gill will score multiple centuries for India. The young gun has scored three half-centuries in his short career. "The first hundred is always the toughest one because that journey from scoring a half century to reaching three figures is not that easy," Gavaskar said. "Batsmen tend to feel settled somewhere around 70-80 run mark and start taking the bowlers on and lose their wicket in that way. He just needs to get his first hundred and then a lot more will follow."

Cricket: 'Has temperament to become great player': Gavaskar lauds Gill's knock

<p>India's batsmen figured out how to ward off a soggy pitch, cloudy conditions, and a deadly fast bowling unit on Day 2 of the World Test Championship final at the Rose Bowl against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill batted mindfully at the top to give India a strong beginning in Southampton, yet they lost three speedy wickets after the initial stand.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-india-have-done-very-very-well-michael-vaughan-lauds-virat-and-cos-batting-effort-392679" hreflang="en">WTC Final- 'India have done very, very well': Michael Vaughan lauds Virat and Co.'s batting effort</a></p>

<p>Nonetheless, skipper Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane struck an unbeaten 58-run partnership for the fourth wicket to explore the group to 146/3 toward the day's end play on Saturday. Virat Kohli is batting on 44 while Ajinkya Rahane stays unbeaten on 29 as India will hope to keep on expanding on the strong establishment laid on Day 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vikram Rathour, Team India's batting coach on Saturday picked a total that he feels will place India in a battling position against New Zealand in the WTC final, saying that a first innings score of 250 or more will be a decent all out remembering the predominant conditions. Addressing a post-match media press conference, he said:&nbsp;"We would like to score as many runs as possible but 250 plus will be a reasonable score in these conditions"</p>

<p>The batting mentor commended openers Gill and Rohit for seeing off the new ball in a splendid way as they played emphatically to add 62 runs. Inquired as to whether taking a position outside the wrinkle was to counter swing or play additional attacking shots, Vikram Rathour said: "Batting is about scoring runs. Rohit and Gill showed a lot of intent and looked to score wherever they can. Hats off to Virat and Rahane for the manner in which they batted but a lot of credit should also get to the openers."</p>

<p>He feels that once the Dukes' ball got a smidgen more established, it began swinging more, and henceforth scoring runs turned into somewhat troublesome than what it was the point at which the openers were batting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think when the ball got a bit older, it started swinging more. Also, the New Zealand pacers hit good areas during the second session" - he said.</p>

<p>Vikram Rathour additionally disregarded statements that Cheteshwar Pujara is dealing with certain specialized issues as he has now been hit at any rate multiple times on the helmet in ongoing Test matches. He&nbsp;isn't too stressed over Cheteshwar Pujara's common issues with the bouncer. He said that the No.3 player hasn't had specific issues with pace and simply needs to convert over his starts.</p>

<p>"We are not really concerned and he is a good player. I don't think the pace is an issue with him. Till he batted, he looked solid and he has a role to play in the team. Today also, he played 50 oddballs. He just needs to convert those starts. It's going to happen very soon" - he added.</p>


India's batsmen figured out how to ward off a soggy pitch, cloudy conditions, and a deadly fast bowling unit on Day 2 of the World Test Championship final at the Rose Bowl against New Zealand.

India's batsmen figured out how to ward off a soggy pitch, cloudy conditions, and a deadly fast bowling unit on Day 2 of the World Test Championship final at the Rose Bowl against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill batted mindfully at the top to give India a strong beginning in Southampton, yet they lost three speedy wickets after the initial stand. ALSO READ: WTC Final- 'India have done very, very well': Michael Vaughan lauds Virat and Co.'s batting effort Nonetheless, skipper Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane struck an unbeaten 58-run partnership for the fourth wicket to explore the group to 146/3 toward the day's end play on Saturday. Virat Kohli is batting on 44 while Ajinkya Rahane stays unbeaten on 29 as India will hope to keep on expanding on the strong establishment laid on Day 2. Vikram Rathour, Team India's batting coach on Saturday picked a total that he feels will place India in a battling position against New Zealand in the WTC final, saying that a first innings score of 250 or more will be a decent all out remembering the predominant conditions. Addressing a post-match media press conference, he said: "We would like to score as many runs as possible but 250 plus will be a reasonable score in these conditions" The batting mentor commended openers Gill and Rohit for seeing off the new ball in a splendid way as they played emphatically to add 62 runs. Inquired as to whether taking a position outside the wrinkle was to counter swing or play additional attacking shots, Vikram Rathour said: "Batting is about scoring runs. Rohit and Gill showed a lot of intent and looked to score wherever they can. Hats off to Virat and Rahane for the manner in which they batted but a lot of credit should also get to the openers." He feels that once the Dukes' ball got a smidgen more established, it began swinging more, and henceforth scoring runs turned into somewhat troublesome than what it was the point at which the openers were batting. "I think when the ball got a bit older, it started swinging more. Also, the New Zealand pacers hit good areas during the second session" - he said. Vikram Rathour additionally disregarded statements that Cheteshwar Pujara is dealing with certain specialized issues as he has now been hit at any rate multiple times on the helmet in ongoing Test matches. He isn't too stressed over Cheteshwar Pujara's common issues with the bouncer. He said that the No.3 player hasn't had specific issues with pace and simply needs to convert over his starts. "We are not really concerned and he is a good player. I don't think the pace is an issue with him. Till he batted, he looked solid and he has a role to play in the team. Today also, he played 50 oddballs. He just needs to convert those starts. It's going to happen very soon" - he added.

WTC Final: India's batting coach discloses what will be a fitting total against New Zealand

<p class="MsoNormal">India enjoyed a fairly favourable Day 2 of the World Test Championship final at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton on Saturday as the Virat Kohli-led outfit posted 146/3 amid disruptions due to bad light. Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a solid start as the duo posted an opening 62-run stand. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Rohit and Gill, both playing their first Test in England as Team India openers, were cautious and aggressive with their approach at the same time with the blend pushing New Zealand’s start with the ball on the back foot. While Trent Boult and Tim Southee were a bit awry in the first spell with the new ball, Rohit and Gill made sure to pounce on the bad deliveries and keep the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While the duo threw their wickets away after settling down in overcast conditions in Southampton against a world-class New Zealand pace attack, India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour lauded the Rohit and Gill for showing patience under challenging conditions but also showing intent to keep pushing the pressure back on the bowlers. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“They batted well. I would give a lot of credit to even Rohit and I think Gill, as well, because I think they started off really well. It was&nbsp;pretty challenging conditions when we started. It was a fresh wicket, we lost the toss, and it was overcast throughout the day. So credit to the batters. I thought they showed a lot of restraint, a lot of discipline, and I think we have ended it pretty well,” Rathour said at the post-day press conference after Day 2.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sneh-rana-becomes-first-indian-cricketer-to-script-unique-record-on-test-debut-392722" hreflang="en">Cricket: Sneh Rana becomes first Indian cricketer to script unique record on Test debut</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As you'd expect from two classy back foot players, India have punished anything too short today. On the back foot, Gill and Rohit have scored 27 runs from 30 deliveries. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTCFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTCFinal</a></p>
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricvizanalyst/status/1406202644197167104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rohit and Gill being naturally aggressive batters didn’t leave a chance to showcase their stroke-play as the duo played a few cracking strokes. While Rohit’s cover-drives and back-foot punch brought on cheers from the Southampton crowd, Gill’s pull shots left the crowd and millions of viewers in awe. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Rathour opined that they can take the attack away and put pressure on the bowling side due to their dominating style of batting.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-it-was-a-good-day-for-test-cricket-says-new-zealand-pacer-kyle-jamieson-392684" hreflang="en">WTC Final: It was a good day for Test cricket, says New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson</a></strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, of course, if they come good, they can take an attack away and really put pressure on the bowling side. They showed that today. Unfortunately, both of them got out after getting set, but one of the days I'm sure one of them is going to carry on, and that could be the day when we can have a really, really good start. You know, both of them playing the way they play can put a lot of pressure on the bowling side.” Rathour explained.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>With Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane at the crease, India would be looking to continue their run-flow when play starts at Day 3. India were on 146/3 at stumps, on Day 2.</o:p></p>


India enjoyed a fairly favourable Day 2 of the World Test Championship final at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton on Saturday as the Virat Kohli-led outfit posted 146/3 amid disruptions due to bad light.

India enjoyed a fairly favourable Day 2 of the World Test Championship final at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton on Saturday as the Virat Kohli-led outfit posted 146/3 amid disruptions due to bad light. Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a solid start as the duo posted an opening 62-run stand. Rohit and Gill, both playing their first Test in England as Team India openers, were cautious and aggressive with their approach at the same time with the blend pushing New Zealand’s start with the ball on the back foot. While Trent Boult and Tim Southee were a bit awry in the first spell with the new ball, Rohit and Gill made sure to pounce on the bad deliveries and keep the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace. While the duo threw their wickets away after settling down in overcast conditions in Southampton against a world-class New Zealand pace attack, India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour lauded the Rohit and Gill for showing patience under challenging conditions but also showing intent to keep pushing the pressure back on the bowlers. “They batted well. I would give a lot of credit to even Rohit and I think Gill, as well, because I think they started off really well. It was pretty challenging conditions when we started. It was a fresh wicket, we lost the toss, and it was overcast throughout the day. So credit to the batters. I thought they showed a lot of restraint, a lot of discipline, and I think we have ended it pretty well,” Rathour said at the post-day press conference after Day 2. ALSO READ: Cricket: Sneh Rana becomes first Indian cricketer to script unique record on Test debut As you'd expect from two classy back foot players, India have punished anything too short today. On the back foot, Gill and Rohit have scored 27 runs from 30 deliveries. #WTCFinal — The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) June 19, 2021 × Rohit and Gill being naturally aggressive batters didn’t leave a chance to showcase their stroke-play as the duo played a few cracking strokes. While Rohit’s cover-drives and back-foot punch brought on cheers from the Southampton crowd, Gill’s pull shots left the crowd and millions of viewers in awe. Rathour opined that they can take the attack away and put pressure on the bowling side due to their dominating style of batting. ALSO READ: WTC Final: It was a good day for Test cricket, says New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson “Yeah, of course, if they come good, they can take an attack away and really put pressure on the bowling side. They showed that today. Unfortunately, both of them got out after getting set, but one of the days I'm sure one of them is going to carry on, and that could be the day when we can have a really, really good start. You know, both of them playing the way they play can put a lot of pressure on the bowling side.” Rathour explained. With Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane at the crease, India would be looking to continue their run-flow when play starts at Day 3. India were on 146/3 at stumps, on Day 2.

WTC Final: 'They can take an attack away' - Vikram Rathour lauds Rohit Sharma-Shubman Gill's opening pairing

<p>Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a strong start to the Men in Blue after Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to field first at Day 2 of the World Test Championship final at Rose Bowl in Southampton.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-there-is-advantage-to-new-zealand-vvs-laxman-after-kane-williamson-wins-toss-392622" hreflang="en">WTC Final- 'There is advantage to New Zealand': VVS Laxman after Kane Williamson wins toss</a></p>

<p>The duo put up 62 runs on the stand for the opening wicket before Sharma got dismissed on 34, whereas, Gill got dismissed on 28 by Jamieson and Wagner respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar lauded the opening pair and said that the pair disturbed New Zealand seamers' rhythm while speaking to Star Sports on Lunch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It looked good for India purely because the way both the batters applied themselves. They were proactive in their approach. They were reactive. They were not wanting to hang back and see how things goes. They were standing outside the crease," Bangar said.</p>

<p>"At times, they were walking towards the bowlers, which was done by Shubman Gill on a regular basis. Just to disturb the lengths of the New Zealand bowler. I felt that they succeeded in that because they disturbed the lengths, New Zealand had to try out different field placements at times, which normally they would not have done.</p>

<p>"If India had stuck to a traditional approach, but India were proactive and hence they got the upper hand in first hour," he signed off. &nbsp;</p>


Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a strong start to the Men in Blue after Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to field first at Day 2 of the World Test Championship final at Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a strong start to the Men in Blue after Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to field first at Day 2 of the World Test Championship final at Rose Bowl in Southampton. ALSO READ: WTC Final- 'There is advantage to New Zealand': VVS Laxman after Kane Williamson wins toss The duo put up 62 runs on the stand for the opening wicket before Sharma got dismissed on 34, whereas, Gill got dismissed on 28 by Jamieson and Wagner respectively. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar lauded the opening pair and said that the pair disturbed New Zealand seamers' rhythm while speaking to Star Sports on Lunch. "It looked good for India purely because the way both the batters applied themselves. They were proactive in their approach. They were reactive. They were not wanting to hang back and see how things goes. They were standing outside the crease," Bangar said. "At times, they were walking towards the bowlers, which was done by Shubman Gill on a regular basis. Just to disturb the lengths of the New Zealand bowler. I felt that they succeeded in that because they disturbed the lengths, New Zealand had to try out different field placements at times, which normally they would not have done. "If India had stuck to a traditional approach, but India were proactive and hence they got the upper hand in first hour," he signed off.

WTC Final- 'India were proactive': Sanjay Bangar lauds Team India's opening pair

<p>Indian opener Shubman Gill has shared some stories about his on-field visits with accomplices Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shubman Gill reviewed how both senior openers gave him the advantage from not taking&nbsp;the strike on the first ball&nbsp;during his debut Test series against Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</b><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-bangladesh-all-rounder-shakib-al-hasan-suspended-for-three-matches-over-umpire-outburst-391140" hreflang="en">Cricket: Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan suspended for three matches over umpire outburst</a></p>

<p>He likewise recalled his bungle in the second Test against England, where he, when all is said and done, requested the strike and got out for a three-ball duck. Shubman Gill said he actually doesn't have a clarification for why he did it yet stated that he wouldn't rehash a similar mix-up at any point in the near future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a conversation with The Grade Cricketer, Shubman Gill said: "Never! I remember in my debut innings that Mayank was kind enough to say 'Okay, I know you are under pressure so I will take the strike' and he took the strike in both innings. And then in the next match, I was supposed to take the strike but Mayank didn't play, Rohit bhai played."</p>

<p>"Rohit himself said: 'I know you are a youngster, so I will take the strike.' From there on, he took the strike every game until that match against England. I don't know why I told him that I will take the strike and obviously, that didn't work for me, I got out on the 3rd or 4th ball on a duck. But yes, that won't happen again anytime soon."</p>

<p>When asked how well before the game he and Rohit Sharma would choose who takes the strike, Shubman Gill timidly answered that it could happen whenever, even minutes before a game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Honestly, it can happen anytime. Like once, I remember we were almost in the middle, we were tapping our bats and I asked Rohit 'Can you please take the strike?'. Because Mitchell Starc was going on his run-up and I was trying to search the non-striker's end,"</p>

<p>Shubman Gill additionally scored a 135-ball 85 in an intra-squad match as of late, hence solidifying his place considerably further for the World Test Championship that will commence on 18th June.</p>


Indian opener Shubman Gill has shared some stories about his on-field visits with accomplices Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. Shubman Gill reviewed how both senior openers gave him the advantage from not taking the strike on the first ball during his debut Test series against Australia.

Indian opener Shubman Gill has shared some stories about his on-field visits with accomplices Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. Shubman Gill reviewed how both senior openers gave him the advantage from not taking the strike on the first ball during his debut Test series against Australia. ALSO READ: Cricket: Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan suspended for three matches over umpire outburst He likewise recalled his bungle in the second Test against England, where he, when all is said and done, requested the strike and got out for a three-ball duck. Shubman Gill said he actually doesn't have a clarification for why he did it yet stated that he wouldn't rehash a similar mix-up at any point in the near future. In a conversation with The Grade Cricketer, Shubman Gill said: "Never! I remember in my debut innings that Mayank was kind enough to say 'Okay, I know you are under pressure so I will take the strike' and he took the strike in both innings. And then in the next match, I was supposed to take the strike but Mayank didn't play, Rohit bhai played." "Rohit himself said: 'I know you are a youngster, so I will take the strike.' From there on, he took the strike every game until that match against England. I don't know why I told him that I will take the strike and obviously, that didn't work for me, I got out on the 3rd or 4th ball on a duck. But yes, that won't happen again anytime soon." When asked how well before the game he and Rohit Sharma would choose who takes the strike, Shubman Gill timidly answered that it could happen whenever, even minutes before a game. "Honestly, it can happen anytime. Like once, I remember we were almost in the middle, we were tapping our bats and I asked Rohit 'Can you please take the strike?'. Because Mitchell Starc was going on his run-up and I was trying to search the non-striker's end," Shubman Gill additionally scored a 135-ball 85 in an intra-squad match as of late, hence solidifying his place considerably further for the World Test Championship that will commence on 18th June.

Cricket: Shubman Gill shares stories about his on-field visits with Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal

<p>Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh suggested that he will go ahead with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill and open the innings for Virat and Co. in the World Test Championship Finals against New Zealand.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-with-better-facilities-i-wouldve-played-for-the-india-at-a-younger-age-virender-sehwag-390395" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'With better facilities, I would've played for the India at a younger age' - Virender Sehwag</a></p>

<p>Team India have experimented with their opening combination in their recent matches. They kicked off the Australian series with the opening combination of Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal, which failed. After Rohit Sharma's arrival, he and Shubman Gill opened for the Indian team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Rohit Sharma is very experienced now in Test matches. He has almost 7 hundreds as an opener. But both Rohit and Shubman Gill have not opened in England ever,” Yuvraj told Sports Tak.</p>

<p>He talked about the challenges of the swinging Dukes ball in England and how Gill and Rohit need to be wary&nbsp;of it.</p>

<p>“They know the challenge, the Dukes Ball swings early. They have to get used to the conditions quickly,” he added.</p>

<p>“In England, it's important to take it one session at a time. In the morning, the ball swings and seams, in the afternoon you can score runs, after Tea, it swings again. As a batsman, if you can adapt to these things, you can be successful,” the former left-hander said.</p>

<p>Yuvraj Singh batted for a best of three finals in order to decide the winner of the World Test Championship finals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I feel in a situation like this, there should be a best of 3 Tests, because if you lose the first one then you can come back in the next two. India will have a slight disadvantage because New Zealand are already playing Test cricket in England,” he said.</p>


Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh suggested that he will go ahead with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill and open the innings for Virat and Co. in the World Test Championship Finals against New Zealand.

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh suggested that he will go ahead with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill and open the innings for Virat and Co. in the World Test Championship Finals against New Zealand. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'With better facilities, I would've played for the India at a younger age' - Virender Sehwag Team India have experimented with their opening combination in their recent matches. They kicked off the Australian series with the opening combination of Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal, which failed. After Rohit Sharma's arrival, he and Shubman Gill opened for the Indian team. “Rohit Sharma is very experienced now in Test matches. He has almost 7 hundreds as an opener. But both Rohit and Shubman Gill have not opened in England ever,” Yuvraj told Sports Tak. He talked about the challenges of the swinging Dukes ball in England and how Gill and Rohit need to be wary of it. “They know the challenge, the Dukes Ball swings early. They have to get used to the conditions quickly,” he added. “In England, it's important to take it one session at a time. In the morning, the ball swings and seams, in the afternoon you can score runs, after Tea, it swings again. As a batsman, if you can adapt to these things, you can be successful,” the former left-hander said. Yuvraj Singh batted for a best of three finals in order to decide the winner of the World Test Championship finals. “I feel in a situation like this, there should be a best of 3 Tests, because if you lose the first one then you can come back in the next two. India will have a slight disadvantage because New Zealand are already playing Test cricket in England,” he said.

Cricket: Yuvraj Singh predicts opening duo of Team India for WTC Finals

<p>Yuvraj Singh has said that the impending World Test Championship final between&nbsp;Team India and New Zealand ought to have been a three-match affair. Team India will face New Zealand in the much-anticipated last of the ICC WTC which starts on June 18 in Southampton. The Indian squad has arrived in the United Kingdom on June 3 and is isolating prior to hitting the nets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per Yuvraj, a one-off Test puts India at a 'slight disadvantage' since New Zealand is as of now playing in England.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before Yuvraj, Kapil Dev and current Team India head coach Ravi Shastri had additionally opined for the World Test Championship final to be a best-of-three experience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing Sports Tak, Yuvraj Singh clarified his perspectives and said:&nbsp;“I feel in a situation like this, there should be a best of 3 Tests, because if you lose the first one then you can come back in the next two. India will have a slight disadvantage because New Zealand are already playing Test cricket in England.“There are 8-10 practice sessions but there’s no substitute for match practice. It will be an even contest but New Zealand will have an edge.”</p>

<p>Team India will confront New Zealand in the WTC final in Southampton on June 18. New Zealand, then again, is taking on England in the first of the two Tests at Lord's.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-yuvraj-singh-echoes-ravi-shastris-stand-says-wtc-final-should-have-been-three-match-series-389806" hreflang="en">Cricket: Yuvraj Singh echoes Ravi Shastri's stand, says WTC final should have been three-match series</a></strong></p>

<p>In spite of the conspicuous disservice, Yuvraj Singh attested that Team India have a more strong batting line-up in contrast with New Zealand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I do believe India is very strong because lately, we have been winning outside the country. I think our batting is stronger, in bowling they are at par.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>As indicated by Yuvraj Singh, Team India's openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill should adjust to the Dukes' ball since they will play their first Test in England as openers. He said:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-have-few-problems-with-ashwin-being-called-an-all-time-great-sanjay-manjrekar-disagrees-with-ian-chappell-389803" hreflang="en">Cricket: ‘Have few problems with Ashwin being called an all-time great’ – Sanjay Manjrekar disagrees with Ian Chappell</a></strong></p>

<p>“Rohit Sharma is very experienced now in Test matches. He has almost seven&nbsp;hundreds, four&nbsp;hundreds as an opener. But both Rohit and Shubman Gill have not opened in England ever. They know the challenge, the Dukes Ball swings early. They have to get used to the conditions quickly.“In England, it’s important to take it one session at a time. In the morning, the ball swings and seams, in the afternoon you can score runs, after Tea, it swings again. As a batsman, if you can adapt to these things, you can be successful.”</p>

<p>Yuvraj Singh additionally backed Shubman Gill to do well in England. Shubman Gill made an amazing Test debut in Australia, however battled at home against England. He said:&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Shubman is a very young guy, still inexperienced but he should feel confident about his success in Australia. So, if he has the belief, he can do well anywhere else in the world.”</p>

<p>After the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, India will take on England in a five-match Test series, beginning from August 4 in&nbsp;Nottingham.</p>


Yuvraj Singh has said that the impending World Test Championship final between Team India and New Zealand ought to have been a three-match affair. Team India will face New Zealand in the much-anticipated last of the ICC WTC which starts on June 18 in Southampton.

Yuvraj Singh has said that the impending World Test Championship final between Team India and New Zealand ought to have been a three-match affair. Team India will face New Zealand in the much-anticipated last of the ICC WTC which starts on June 18 in Southampton. The Indian squad has arrived in the United Kingdom on June 3 and is isolating prior to hitting the nets. As per Yuvraj, a one-off Test puts India at a 'slight disadvantage' since New Zealand is as of now playing in England. Before Yuvraj, Kapil Dev and current Team India head coach Ravi Shastri had additionally opined for the World Test Championship final to be a best-of-three experience. Addressing Sports Tak, Yuvraj Singh clarified his perspectives and said: “I feel in a situation like this, there should be a best of 3 Tests, because if you lose the first one then you can come back in the next two. India will have a slight disadvantage because New Zealand are already playing Test cricket in England.“There are 8-10 practice sessions but there’s no substitute for match practice. It will be an even contest but New Zealand will have an edge.” Team India will confront New Zealand in the WTC final in Southampton on June 18. New Zealand, then again, is taking on England in the first of the two Tests at Lord's. ALSO READ: Cricket: Yuvraj Singh echoes Ravi Shastri's stand, says WTC final should have been three-match series In spite of the conspicuous disservice, Yuvraj Singh attested that Team India have a more strong batting line-up in contrast with New Zealand. “I do believe India is very strong because lately, we have been winning outside the country. I think our batting is stronger, in bowling they are at par.” As indicated by Yuvraj Singh, Team India's openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill should adjust to the Dukes' ball since they will play their first Test in England as openers. He said: ALSO READ: Cricket: ‘Have few problems with Ashwin being called an all-time great’ – Sanjay Manjrekar disagrees with Ian Chappell “Rohit Sharma is very experienced now in Test matches. He has almost seven hundreds, four hundreds as an opener. But both Rohit and Shubman Gill have not opened in England ever. They know the challenge, the Dukes Ball swings early. They have to get used to the conditions quickly.“In England, it’s important to take it one session at a time. In the morning, the ball swings and seams, in the afternoon you can score runs, after Tea, it swings again. As a batsman, if you can adapt to these things, you can be successful.” Yuvraj Singh additionally backed Shubman Gill to do well in England. Shubman Gill made an amazing Test debut in Australia, however battled at home against England. He said: “Shubman is a very young guy, still inexperienced but he should feel confident about his success in Australia. So, if he has the belief, he can do well anywhere else in the world.” After the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, India will take on England in a five-match Test series, beginning from August 4 in Nottingham.

Cricket: Yuvraj Singh reveals why India will have 'slight disadvantage' in WTC Final vs New Zealand

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">Shubman Gill has revealed a portion of his on and off-field talks with Indian captain Virat Kohli and star-batsman Rohit Sharma and&nbsp;said assessing ever-changing conditions in England and playing out sessions will be key for him during the approaching Test matches.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">The 21-year-old said on Monday that Virat Kohli is his go-to man for all 'mindset worries'. Gill added that the captain frequently persuades young players to play expressively and shares his experiences to help them through their anxieties.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">In an interview with IndiaTV, Shubman Gill said: "Whenever we talk to Virat bhai, he always tries to motivate us and says that as a youngster we can play fearlessly and on our free will. Mostly the talk is about mindset. Whenever I feel that I am not in a good frame of mind I talk to him, he always motivates me and shares his own experiences, of being a youngster in the team, with me."&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">Shubman Gill has played the greater part of his budding career under Virat Kohli, which incorporates a five-Test series against England and three ODIs against New Zealand and Australia.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">The youngster has lined up with Rohit Sharma's resurgence as an opener in red-ball cricket. The pair's strong and reliable opening alliances in Australia were instrumental in India's notable turnaround.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">The right-handed batsman said he and Rohit Sharma mostly talk about the match when they are at the crease.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">"Yes, whenever I am batting with Rohit bhai, we talk about where a particular bowler can bowl, where he is looking to get us out, what the situation is, whether we should not take any risk or if we are set, where should we try to attack, etc," Gill said.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">Shubman Gill is set to play the most significant match of his career so far - the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand. The opener guaranteed the Indian team is taking certainty from its new accomplishment on overseas visits and are along these lines solid and steady for the ultimate clash.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">"Yes, we had a great performance in Australia and we are doing very well in overseas tours for the past few years. So, our confidence is very high and we feel we can't be better prepared for this final,"&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-isnt-the-highest-paid-captain-in-international-cricket-check-full-list-of-skippers-and-salaries-in-2021-386865" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli isn't the highest-paid captain in international cricket! - Check full list of skippers and salaries in 2021</a></strong></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">India will likewise play a five-Test series against England after the World Test Championship Final.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">Consistent disappointments at the top-order were one of the reasons why India couldn't overcome the Test arrangement against England in 2018 and New Zealand in 2020. Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma have shown that they can agitate this pattern and these impending six Tests will be the ideal litmus test for the new pair.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">“The 21-year-old, who made his Test debut in Australia a few months back and has played seven Test matches till date, scoring 378 runs, added that India's exhibition in Australia where they won the Test series 2-1 will add to certainty.” – he asserted.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-dad-and-i-responsible-for-it-prithvi-shaw-opens-up-about-the-eight-month-doping-ban-386906" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Dad and I responsible for it' - Prithvi Shaw opens up about the eight-month doping ban</a></strong></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">On asking about the new normal and quarantine period: “Quarantine period is very tough because for 14 days you are only in one room, with not much to do. But we still do workouts in our rooms and keep ourselves busy in some way or the other. We watch movies on iPad. Otherwise, we play games, do workouts and try and keep ourselves as busy as possible. Quarantine is very hard,"&nbsp;he signed off.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Shubman Gill has revealed a portion of his on and off-field talks with Indian captain Virat Kohli and star-batsman Rohit Sharma and said assessing ever-changing conditions in England and playing out sessions will be key for him during the approaching Test matches.

Shubman Gill has revealed a portion of his on and off-field talks with Indian captain Virat Kohli and star-batsman Rohit Sharma and said assessing ever-changing conditions in England and playing out sessions will be key for him during the approaching Test matches. The 21-year-old said on Monday that Virat Kohli is his go-to man for all 'mindset worries'. Gill added that the captain frequently persuades young players to play expressively and shares his experiences to help them through their anxieties. In an interview with IndiaTV, Shubman Gill said: "Whenever we talk to Virat bhai, he always tries to motivate us and says that as a youngster we can play fearlessly and on our free will. Mostly the talk is about mindset. Whenever I feel that I am not in a good frame of mind I talk to him, he always motivates me and shares his own experiences, of being a youngster in the team, with me." Shubman Gill has played the greater part of his budding career under Virat Kohli, which incorporates a five-Test series against England and three ODIs against New Zealand and Australia. The youngster has lined up with Rohit Sharma's resurgence as an opener in red-ball cricket. The pair's strong and reliable opening alliances in Australia were instrumental in India's notable turnaround. The right-handed batsman said he and Rohit Sharma mostly talk about the match when they are at the crease. "Yes, whenever I am batting with Rohit bhai, we talk about where a particular bowler can bowl, where he is looking to get us out, what the situation is, whether we should not take any risk or if we are set, where should we try to attack, etc," Gill said. Shubman Gill is set to play the most significant match of his career so far - the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand. The opener guaranteed the Indian team is taking certainty from its new accomplishment on overseas visits and are along these lines solid and steady for the ultimate clash. "Yes, we had a great performance in Australia and we are doing very well in overseas tours for the past few years. So, our confidence is very high and we feel we can't be better prepared for this final," he added. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli isn't the highest-paid captain in international cricket! - Check full list of skippers and salaries in 2021 India will likewise play a five-Test series against England after the World Test Championship Final. Consistent disappointments at the top-order were one of the reasons why India couldn't overcome the Test arrangement against England in 2018 and New Zealand in 2020. Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma have shown that they can agitate this pattern and these impending six Tests will be the ideal litmus test for the new pair. “The 21-year-old, who made his Test debut in Australia a few months back and has played seven Test matches till date, scoring 378 runs, added that India's exhibition in Australia where they won the Test series 2-1 will add to certainty.” – he asserted. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Dad and I responsible for it' - Prithvi Shaw opens up about the eight-month doping ban On asking about the new normal and quarantine period: “Quarantine period is very tough because for 14 days you are only in one room, with not much to do. But we still do workouts in our rooms and keep ourselves busy in some way or the other. We watch movies on iPad. Otherwise, we play games, do workouts and try and keep ourselves as busy as possible. Quarantine is very hard," he signed off.

Cricket: 'Assessing conditions will be key to batting in England': Shubman Gill

<p>Sunil Gavaskar has believed that the pressing factor of developing assumptions following an effective Test debut in Australia might be burdening Shubman Gill.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/had-only-heard-about-it-abhimanyu-easwaran-on-training-with-virat-kohli-and-cheteshwar-pujara-383702" hreflang="en">'Had only heard about it': Abhimanyu Easwaran on training with Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara</a></p>

<p>Shubman Gill was among the numerous novices in the Indian group who stood out in the Test series in Australia. In three Tests, Shubman Gill amassed 291 runs at an average of 51.80 with two fifties. His best of 91 came in the memorable Test win at the Gabba.&nbsp;<br />
In any case, Shubman Gill battled for familiarity with the home series against England. The 21-year-old oversaw just 119 runs in four Tests at an average of 19.83 with a best of 50.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a noteworthy Test debut in Australia, Shubman Gill tracked down the going extreme in the home series against England. He didn't look agreeable against the ball that wasn't going onto the bat. However, he was so acceptable Down Under that Team India are probably going to back him as Rohit Sharma's initial accomplice, regardless of Mayank Agarwal discovering some form in the IPL.</p>

<p>Translating Shubman Gill's battles, Sunil Gavaskar revealed to Star Sports that things have changed for the youngster after the accomplishment in Australia and he needs to adjust in like manner. As indicated by Sunil Gavaskar:</p>

<p>“I think what I feel about Shubman Gill is that suddenly, the pressure of expectation is getting to him. Before this, it was different. He was just a young promising newcomer, but now with the performances in Australia, the expectation is that he is going to score, and maybe that pressure of expectation is weighing him down."</p>

<p>"He just needs to relax. He is just a 21-year-old kid. There will be failures and he has to learn from those failures. He's just got to open and play freely, without worrying about expectations. The runs will come if he plays his natural game. Trying to play across the line and trying to score off every delivery because of the pressure of expectation, he's actually getting himself out."</p>

<p>After a helpless Test series against England, Shubman Gill's troubles with the bat proceeded in IPL 2021 also. Opening the innings for the Kolkata Knight Riders, he neglected to furnish the franchisee with the ideal fast beginnings at the top order. He played seven matches for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021, yet just oversaw 132 runs at a hit pace of 117.85 with a best of 43. Last season, Shubman Gill figured out how to score up 440 runs in 14 games. Notwithstanding, he stayed under the scanner over his helpless strike rate of 117.96.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Sunil Gavaskar has believed that the pressing factor of developing assumptions following an effective Test debut in Australia might be burdening Shubman Gill. ALSO READ: 'Had only heard about it': Abhimanyu Easwaran on training with Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara Shubman Gill was among the numerous novices in the Indian group who stood out in the Test series in Australia.

Sunil Gavaskar has believed that the pressing factor of developing assumptions following an effective Test debut in Australia might be burdening Shubman Gill. ALSO READ: 'Had only heard about it': Abhimanyu Easwaran on training with Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara Shubman Gill was among the numerous novices in the Indian group who stood out in the Test series in Australia. In three Tests, Shubman Gill amassed 291 runs at an average of 51.80 with two fifties. His best of 91 came in the memorable Test win at the Gabba. In any case, Shubman Gill battled for familiarity with the home series against England. The 21-year-old oversaw just 119 runs in four Tests at an average of 19.83 with a best of 50. After a noteworthy Test debut in Australia, Shubman Gill tracked down the going extreme in the home series against England. He didn't look agreeable against the ball that wasn't going onto the bat. However, he was so acceptable Down Under that Team India are probably going to back him as Rohit Sharma's initial accomplice, regardless of Mayank Agarwal discovering some form in the IPL. Translating Shubman Gill's battles, Sunil Gavaskar revealed to Star Sports that things have changed for the youngster after the accomplishment in Australia and he needs to adjust in like manner. As indicated by Sunil Gavaskar: “I think what I feel about Shubman Gill is that suddenly, the pressure of expectation is getting to him. Before this, it was different. He was just a young promising newcomer, but now with the performances in Australia, the expectation is that he is going to score, and maybe that pressure of expectation is weighing him down." "He just needs to relax. He is just a 21-year-old kid. There will be failures and he has to learn from those failures. He's just got to open and play freely, without worrying about expectations. The runs will come if he plays his natural game. Trying to play across the line and trying to score off every delivery because of the pressure of expectation, he's actually getting himself out." After a helpless Test series against England, Shubman Gill's troubles with the bat proceeded in IPL 2021 also. Opening the innings for the Kolkata Knight Riders, he neglected to furnish the franchisee with the ideal fast beginnings at the top order. He played seven matches for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021, yet just oversaw 132 runs at a hit pace of 117.85 with a best of 43. Last season, Shubman Gill figured out how to score up 440 runs in 14 games. Notwithstanding, he stayed under the scanner over his helpless strike rate of 117.96.

'The pressure of expectation is weighing him down' - Sunil Gavaskar on Shubman Gill's batting despondency

<p>Shubman Gill earned the respect of several cricketing stalwarts after his heroics against Australia in the Test series earlier this year. However, the 21-year-old has been unable to continue his sublime form from England series.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-pat-cummins-to-sachin-tendulkar-cricketing-stalwarts-who-donated-in-indias-fight-against-covid-19-381735" hreflang="en">From Pat Cummins to Sachin Tendulkar: Cricketing stalwarts who donated in India's fight against COVID-19</a></p>

<p>Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen also was impressed with Shubman Gill's knocks on Australian soil. However, he has not been impressed with his recent knocks in the ongoing IPL. In the current season, Shubman Gill has had an underwhelming impact.&nbsp;He scored 15, 33, 21, 0, 11, 9 and 43 for KKR in the past seven matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Let's talk a little bit about Shubman Gill because I think that guy is so good. I absolutely love him as a player. I've been watching him quite closely recently and I think Gill needs to get a little busy at the crease. If he can do that, he can then get himself going. He just seems so lazy," Pietersen said on the Star Sports pre-match show.</p>

<p>"Some of his dismissals. Some of his dismissals are really low and it looks like he doesn't really fit the speed of the game. You can get as a batter very lazy and I think he's too lazy at the moment. He's too accommodating. I'd just like him to get a little bit busier and more proactive. Then he won't miss those balls on his legs and start hitting them. I want to see purpose when he bats," the former England captain explained.</p>


Shubman Gill earned the respect of several cricketing stalwarts after his heroics against Australia in the Test series earlier this year. However, the 21-year-old has been unable to continue his sublime form from England series.

Shubman Gill earned the respect of several cricketing stalwarts after his heroics against Australia in the Test series earlier this year. However, the 21-year-old has been unable to continue his sublime form from England series. IN PICS: From Pat Cummins to Sachin Tendulkar: Cricketing stalwarts who donated in India's fight against COVID-19 Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen also was impressed with Shubman Gill's knocks on Australian soil. However, he has not been impressed with his recent knocks in the ongoing IPL. In the current season, Shubman Gill has had an underwhelming impact. He scored 15, 33, 21, 0, 11, 9 and 43 for KKR in the past seven matches. "Let's talk a little bit about Shubman Gill because I think that guy is so good. I absolutely love him as a player. I've been watching him quite closely recently and I think Gill needs to get a little busy at the crease. If he can do that, he can then get himself going. He just seems so lazy," Pietersen said on the Star Sports pre-match show. "Some of his dismissals. Some of his dismissals are really low and it looks like he doesn't really fit the speed of the game. You can get as a batter very lazy and I think he's too lazy at the moment. He's too accommodating. I'd just like him to get a little bit busier and more proactive. Then he won't miss those balls on his legs and start hitting them. I want to see purpose when he bats," the former England captain explained.

IPL 2021- 'He just seems so lazy': Kevin Pietersen on Shubman Gill's underwhelming form

<p>Given the new struggles of Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill at the top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Gavaskar has proposed another new pair for KKR. He believes there is a case for KKR to attempt Rahul Tripathi and Sunil Narine as openers in IPL 2021.</p>

<p>KKR enlisted their second win of the season against the Punjab Kings. However, they endured early blows, with Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana scoring 9 and 0, respectively.</p>

<p>Shubman Gill, specifically, has watched out of the structure, scoring only 89 runs in six games in IPL 2021. Sunil Gavaskar said in such a manner that KKR should hope to change their opening stand.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kkrs-pat-cummins-donates-50000-to-pm-cares-fund-for-oxygen-supplies-urges-ipl-players-to-contribute-380530" hreflang="en">KKR's Pat Cummins donates $50,000 to PM Cares Fund for oxygen supplies, urges IPL players to contribute</a></strong></p>

<p>"I think KKR have to make up their minds whether Sunil Narine opens the batting with Shubman Gill or Rahul Tripathi opens the batting. With Shubman Gill also – struggling and not quite there; maybe there is a case for Tripathi to open with Sunil Narine," Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.</p>

<p>He also highlighted Nitish Rana has been successful at the no.3 spot in the past.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-star-ashwin-withdraws-from-ipl-to-support-family-in-covid-fight-380524" hreflang="en">Indian star Ashwin withdraws from IPL to support family in Covid fight</a></strong></p>

<p>"Nitish Rana, in the years that he has been very successful for KKR, he has been batting at No.3. So, if Rahul Tripathi can open the batting, which he used to do earlier on for the other franchises, maybe that’s the way to go for Rana," Sunil Gavaskar added.</p>


Given the new struggles of Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill at the top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Gavaskar has proposed another new pair for KKR. He believes there is a case for KKR to attempt Rahul Tripathi and Sunil Narine as openers in IPL 2021.

Given the new struggles of Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill at the top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Gavaskar has proposed another new pair for KKR. He believes there is a case for KKR to attempt Rahul Tripathi and Sunil Narine as openers in IPL 2021. KKR enlisted their second win of the season against the Punjab Kings. However, they endured early blows, with Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana scoring 9 and 0, respectively. Shubman Gill, specifically, has watched out of the structure, scoring only 89 runs in six games in IPL 2021. Sunil Gavaskar said in such a manner that KKR should hope to change their opening stand. ALSO READ: KKR's Pat Cummins donates $50,000 to PM Cares Fund for oxygen supplies, urges IPL players to contribute "I think KKR have to make up their minds whether Sunil Narine opens the batting with Shubman Gill or Rahul Tripathi opens the batting. With Shubman Gill also – struggling and not quite there; maybe there is a case for Tripathi to open with Sunil Narine," Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports. He also highlighted Nitish Rana has been successful at the no.3 spot in the past. ALSO READ: Indian star Ashwin withdraws from IPL to support family in Covid fight "Nitish Rana, in the years that he has been very successful for KKR, he has been batting at No.3. So, if Rahul Tripathi can open the batting, which he used to do earlier on for the other franchises, maybe that’s the way to go for Rana," Sunil Gavaskar added.

'Shubman Gill is struggling': Sunil Gavaskar comes up with bold suggestion for KKR

<p>Shubman Gill has said that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to avoid the net run-rate trap in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after missing out on playoff qualification in the previous edition of the tournament, played in the UAE.</p>

<p>KKR finished IPL 2020 with 14 points under their belt but were level with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). KKR had a net run rate of -0.214 in what was one of the tightest finishes to an IPL league stage. However, RCB qualified for the playoffs on a net run rate of 0.172.</p>

<p>Shubman expressed the pain of missing out by such a tight margin but said that the team would look to improve and avoid a similar situation in the ongoing edition of the T20 tournament.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guru-vs-chela-ravi-shastri-expresses-his-excitement-for-dhoni-vs-pant-clash-in-ipl-2021-376637" hreflang="en">'Guru vs Chela': Ravi Shastri expresses his excitement for Dhoni vs Pant clash in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>"Missing qualification on net run rate, by the barest of margins, always hurts. But there is always room for improvement. And that's what we will try to do this year and not leave it to the net run rate," Gill told The National.</p>

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<p>KKR would look to flourish under the full-time captaincy of Eoin Morgan and all eyes would be on Gill as to how he goes about his business in the new season.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watching-cricket-from-home-twitter-brings-an-extravagant-experience-with-new-features-376633" hreflang="en">Watching cricket from home? Twitter brings an extravagant experience with new features</a></strong></p>

<p>"You get to practice before any tournament starts, that's where you kind of adjust. You get enough time in practice sessions and match simulation, practice matches. So that is enough time to adjust," Gill said.</p>

<p>"The way I see it, it has been a good six seven months. The last time I played IPL, and after that I have played plenty of cricket which has given me a lot of confidence."</p>

<p>KKR start their IPL 2021 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Saturday.</p>

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Shubman Gill has said that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to avoid the net run-rate trap in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after missing out on playoff qualification in the previous edition of the tournament, played in the UAE.

Shubman Gill has said that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to avoid the net run-rate trap in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after missing out on playoff qualification in the previous edition of the tournament, played in the UAE. KKR finished IPL 2020 with 14 points under their belt but were level with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). KKR had a net run rate of -0.214 in what was one of the tightest finishes to an IPL league stage. However, RCB qualified for the playoffs on a net run rate of 0.172. Shubman expressed the pain of missing out by such a tight margin but said that the team would look to improve and avoid a similar situation in the ongoing edition of the T20 tournament. ALSO READ: 'Guru vs Chela': Ravi Shastri expresses his excitement for Dhoni vs Pant clash in IPL 2021 "Missing qualification on net run rate, by the barest of margins, always hurts. But there is always room for improvement. And that's what we will try to do this year and not leave it to the net run rate," Gill told The National. × KKR would look to flourish under the full-time captaincy of Eoin Morgan and all eyes would be on Gill as to how he goes about his business in the new season. ALSO READ: Watching cricket from home? Twitter brings an extravagant experience with new features "You get to practice before any tournament starts, that's where you kind of adjust. You get enough time in practice sessions and match simulation, practice matches. So that is enough time to adjust," Gill said. "The way I see it, it has been a good six seven months. The last time I played IPL, and after that I have played plenty of cricket which has given me a lot of confidence." KKR start their IPL 2021 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Saturday.

'Always hurts...': KKR's Shubman Gill hopes to avoid net run rate trap in playoff race

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3607f0b3-42f6-476a-900d-215b1e000be8}{219}" paraid="1650878216" >Young Indian opener Shubman Gill had an underwhelming home Test series against England where he managed just a single half-century in four matches. While Gill had a superb series against Australia, England bowlers troubled the youngsters. However, former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta is unfazed&nbsp;by Gill's dip in form.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8219624d-8207-4147-8f93-b4f628f62f0f}{133}" paraid="1277038914" >Dasgupta has backed Gill to figure out what areas the England bowlers targeted him while adding a youngster has to make adjustments to counter certain kinds of deliveries in international cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b9ca14de-44b5-49bf-8622-6ddbc643bdaf}{133}" paraid="1178617877" >The former Indian&nbsp;glovesman&nbsp;backed Gill to find his form back ahead of the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final, scheduled to be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18-22.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b9ca14de-44b5-49bf-8622-6ddbc643bdaf}{133}" paraid="1178617877" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-turned-to-rahul-dravid-and-asked-sam-billings-recalls-watching-rishabh-pant-for-first-time-369165" hreflang="en">'I turned to Rahul Dravid and asked...' Sam Billings recalls watching Rishabh Pant for first time</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a7a530a-f43f-495d-87e1-783a3c77428e}{38}" paraid="1833544563" >"I think Shubman Gill will figure it out. In Australia, in the first series, he started getting out to Pat Cummins against away-going deliveries. He started coming across to counter the swing. In the England series, the English seamers bowled in-swing and he has been in trouble, facing inswingers. He has got out LBW, bowled to the balls coming in. As a youngster, you have made adjustments to counter certain kinds of deliveries. Those adjustments have worked against you in a different series," Dasgupta said in a Q&amp;A session on Sports Today.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3607f0b3-42f6-476a-900d-215b1e000be8}{62}" paraid="445435061" >"These are all part of the learning curve for someone as young as Shubman Gill. I am sure he has learnt his lessons. I am sure he will be back, scoring runs at the WTC final. He should be ready. There is a lot of cricket he will play before the&nbsp;WTC,&nbsp;he will play the IPL and hopefully score runs in the IPL” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3607f0b3-42f6-476a-900d-215b1e000be8}{62}" paraid="445435061" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-venues-could-host-icc-t20-world-cup-matches-report-369147" hreflang="en">IPL 2021 venues could host ICC T20 World Cup matches: Report</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3607f0b3-42f6-476a-900d-215b1e000be8}{80}" paraid="2054605314" >"I am sure he will be back. These are part of a cricketer's life, ups and downs. He should be fine, he will learn from his mistakes,” concluded the 43-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a7a530a-f43f-495d-87e1-783a3c77428e}{89}" paraid="1973214781" >While there are no more Test matches before the WTC final, Gill will look to score runs in plenty during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 where he will be in action for Kolkata Knight Riders.&nbsp;</p>


Young Indian opener Shubman Gill had an underwhelming home Test series against England where he managed just a single half-century in four matches. While Gill had a superb series against Australia, England bowlers troubled the youngsters.

Young Indian opener Shubman Gill had an underwhelming home Test series against England where he managed just a single half-century in four matches. While Gill had a superb series against Australia, England bowlers troubled the youngsters. However, former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta is unfazed by Gill's dip in form. Dasgupta has backed Gill to figure out what areas the England bowlers targeted him while adding a youngster has to make adjustments to counter certain kinds of deliveries in international cricket. The former Indian glovesman backed Gill to find his form back ahead of the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final, scheduled to be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18-22. ALSO READ: 'I turned to Rahul Dravid and asked...' Sam Billings recalls watching Rishabh Pant for first time "I think Shubman Gill will figure it out. In Australia, in the first series, he started getting out to Pat Cummins against away-going deliveries. He started coming across to counter the swing. In the England series, the English seamers bowled in-swing and he has been in trouble, facing inswingers. He has got out LBW, bowled to the balls coming in. As a youngster, you have made adjustments to counter certain kinds of deliveries. Those adjustments have worked against you in a different series," Dasgupta said in a Q&A session on Sports Today. "These are all part of the learning curve for someone as young as Shubman Gill. I am sure he has learnt his lessons. I am sure he will be back, scoring runs at the WTC final. He should be ready. There is a lot of cricket he will play before the WTC, he will play the IPL and hopefully score runs in the IPL” he added. ALSO READ: IPL 2021 venues could host ICC T20 World Cup matches: Report "I am sure he will be back. These are part of a cricketer's life, ups and downs. He should be fine, he will learn from his mistakes,” concluded the 43-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator. While there are no more Test matches before the WTC final, Gill will look to score runs in plenty during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 where he will be in action for Kolkata Knight Riders.

He will learn from mistakes: Deep Dasgupta backs Shubman Gill to comeback strong

<p>Indian opener Shubman Gill had a great tour in Australia raising a lot of expectations to continue his sublime form in the England series. However, the 21-year-old opener has struggled to get runs for the team in the ongoing Test series.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-frustrating-ben-stokes-on-englands-performance-with-bat-defends-team-selection-368024" hreflang="en">'It’s frustrating': Ben Stokes on England's performance with bat; defends team selection</a></p>

<p>Gill scored a gritty half-century in the second innings of the first Test, however, after that he could just score 0, 14, 11, 15*, and 0. Former India legend Sunil Gavaskar&nbsp;told the probable&nbsp;reason behind the drop in the form.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's just a bad patch that anybody can go through. Expectations after the Australia tour were sky-high, maybe he's feeling the pressure of those expectations," Gavaskar told India Today.</p>

<p>"Also he needs to play a bit straight at the start of the innings, he is playing across the line at the moment which is getting him into trouble," Gavaskar added.</p>

<p>Gavaskar lauded the Indian spinners for picking up eight wickets on Day 1 of the fourth Test as they bowled the visitors out on 205.</p>

<p>"Indian spinners and bowlers have bowled really well. England players have not shown the application, determination required to fight it out despite the fact that the oddball was turning. They were playing down the wrong line, they came in with a lot of preconceived ideas.</p>

<p>"Sometimes there can be a lot of theory talk in the change room, but at the end of the day, that theory has to be separated from the practical - which is how you play each ball on its merit.&nbsp;</p>


Indian opener Shubman Gill had a great tour in Australia raising a lot of expectations to continue his sublime form in the England series. However, the 21-year-old opener has struggled to get runs for the team in the ongoing Test series.

Indian opener Shubman Gill had a great tour in Australia raising a lot of expectations to continue his sublime form in the England series. However, the 21-year-old opener has struggled to get runs for the team in the ongoing Test series. ALSO READ: 'It’s frustrating': Ben Stokes on England's performance with bat; defends team selection Gill scored a gritty half-century in the second innings of the first Test, however, after that he could just score 0, 14, 11, 15*, and 0. Former India legend Sunil Gavaskar told the probable reason behind the drop in the form. "It's just a bad patch that anybody can go through. Expectations after the Australia tour were sky-high, maybe he's feeling the pressure of those expectations," Gavaskar told India Today. "Also he needs to play a bit straight at the start of the innings, he is playing across the line at the moment which is getting him into trouble," Gavaskar added. Gavaskar lauded the Indian spinners for picking up eight wickets on Day 1 of the fourth Test as they bowled the visitors out on 205. "Indian spinners and bowlers have bowled really well. England players have not shown the application, determination required to fight it out despite the fact that the oddball was turning. They were playing down the wrong line, they came in with a lot of preconceived ideas. "Sometimes there can be a lot of theory talk in the change room, but at the end of the day, that theory has to be separated from the practical - which is how you play each ball on its merit.

Sunil Gavaskar feels Shubman Gill might be under pressure due to expectations

<p>After being bundled out on 112, England are&nbsp;under immense pressure to bounce in the on-going pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/scars-from-the-2nd-test-michael-vaughan-left-unimpressed-by-poor-batting-show-by-england-365945" hreflang="en">'Scars from the 2nd Test...': Michael Vaughan left unimpressed by poor batting show by England</a></p>

<p>However, during the second over of the Indian innings, an incident took place that left the whole England side, including Ben Stokes, disappointed. Gill caught a low edge off Broad's delivery carrying the ball to the second slip (Ben Stokes).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Umpires referred the decision to the TV umpire after giving the soft signal, out. However, the decision was overturned as it was found that a bit of the ball was touching the ground. The English side were visibly&nbsp;disappointed after the decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netizens, however, trolled the English all-rounder for appealing for the catch despite the ball touching the ground.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's clearly touching the ground. I don't know why Ben Stokes even appealed for that one. Joe Root getting disappointed for no reason. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/6dNaPj4nyc">pic.twitter.com/6dNaPj4nyc</a></p>
— UrMiL07™ (@urmilpatel30) <a href="https://twitter.com/urmilpatel30/status/1364563787399979009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a><br />
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I want confidence like Ben STOKES 😑🙏.. <a href="https://t.co/HjTEv1SS9p">pic.twitter.com/HjTEv1SS9p</a></p>
— Maxtern (@Maxtern_monk) <a href="https://twitter.com/Maxtern_monk/status/1364567973864771585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ben stokes claimed this as "safe catch" and these people have invented this game. 👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/EEHcOYeUaT">pic.twitter.com/EEHcOYeUaT</a></p>
— Neeche Se Topper (@NeecheSeTopper) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeecheSeTopper/status/1364565008915435530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Feel disappointed that I was a fan of this fraud so called best all rounder in the world Ben Stokes.<br />
All talk, no show. Sir Jadeja way clear of this fraud.... <a href="https://t.co/1UdK6igBjW">pic.twitter.com/1UdK6igBjW</a></p>
— Environmentalist Ethan Hunt (@theshivansh_p) <a href="https://twitter.com/theshivansh_p/status/1364572024098615300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indians fans to Ben Stokes right now :<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/J3sJvJnEUf">pic.twitter.com/J3sJvJnEUf</a></p>
— Gaurav Gupta (@g48660305) <a href="https://twitter.com/g48660305/status/1364570928231849985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After being bundled out on 112, England are under immense pressure to bounce in the on-going pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday. ALSO READ: 'Scars from the 2nd Test.

After being bundled out on 112, England are under immense pressure to bounce in the on-going pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday. ALSO READ: 'Scars from the 2nd Test...': Michael Vaughan left unimpressed by poor batting show by England However, during the second over of the Indian innings, an incident took place that left the whole England side, including Ben Stokes, disappointed. Gill caught a low edge off Broad's delivery carrying the ball to the second slip (Ben Stokes). Umpires referred the decision to the TV umpire after giving the soft signal, out. However, the decision was overturned as it was found that a bit of the ball was touching the ground. The English side were visibly disappointed after the decision. Netizens, however, trolled the English all-rounder for appealing for the catch despite the ball touching the ground. It's clearly touching the ground. I don't know why Ben Stokes even appealed for that one. Joe Root getting disappointed for no reason. #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/6dNaPj4nyc — UrMiL07™ (@urmilpatel30) February 24, 2021 × #INDvENG I want confidence like Ben STOKES 😑🙏.. pic.twitter.com/HjTEv1SS9p — Maxtern (@Maxtern_monk) February 24, 2021 × ben stokes claimed this as "safe catch" and these people have invented this game. 👏 #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/EEHcOYeUaT — Neeche Se Topper (@NeecheSeTopper) February 24, 2021 × Feel disappointed that I was a fan of this fraud so called best all rounder in the world Ben Stokes. All talk, no show. Sir Jadeja way clear of this fraud.... pic.twitter.com/1UdK6igBjW — Environmentalist Ethan Hunt (@theshivansh_p) February 24, 2021 × Indians fans to Ben Stokes right now :#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/J3sJvJnEUf — Gaurav Gupta (@g48660305) February 24, 2021 ×

IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Netizens troll Ben Stokes for catch appeal despite ball touching the ground

<p>Team India have suffered a major injury scare as opener Shubman Gill did not take the field for India on Day 4 in the ongoing Test match against England. According to an update provided by BCCI, Gill has been taken for scans after he took a blow to his arm while fielding on Day 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-loses-cool-after-umpires-call-hands-joe-root-a-lifeline-363823" hreflang="en">Watch: Virat Kohli loses cool after 'umpire's call' hands Joe Root a lifeline</a></p>

<p>"Shubman Gill sustained a blow on his left forearm while fielding on Day 3 of the 2nd Test. He has been taken for a precautionary scan. The BCCI Medical Team is assessing him. He won't be fielding today," the BCCI tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UPDATE - Shubman Gill sustained a blow on his left forearm while fielding on Day 3 of the 2nd Test. He has been taken for a precautionary scan. The BCCI Medical Team is assessing him. He won't be fielding today.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/ph0GJsqpFi">pic.twitter.com/ph0GJsqpFi</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1361534426212012032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gill suffered a blow on the left forearm while fielding at forward short leg on Day 3 of the Test match after on of the English batsman's sweep shot hit the opener.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shubman did not have a great outing in the&nbsp;match as he was dismissed for his maiden Test duck in the first innings when he was out LBW to England pacer Olly Stone. The 21-year-old scored 14 runs in the second innings before being dismissed by Jack Leach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India, currently, are on top of the match with just four wickets needed to level the series against England.&nbsp;</p>


Team India have suffered a major injury scare as opener Shubman Gill did not take the field for India on Day 4 in the ongoing Test match against England. According to an update provided by BCCI, Gill has been taken for scans after he took a blow to his arm while fielding on Day 3.

Team India have suffered a major injury scare as opener Shubman Gill did not take the field for India on Day 4 in the ongoing Test match against England. According to an update provided by BCCI, Gill has been taken for scans after he took a blow to his arm while fielding on Day 3. ALSO READ: Watch: Virat Kohli loses cool after 'umpire's call' hands Joe Root a lifeline "Shubman Gill sustained a blow on his left forearm while fielding on Day 3 of the 2nd Test. He has been taken for a precautionary scan. The BCCI Medical Team is assessing him. He won't be fielding today," the BCCI tweeted. UPDATE - Shubman Gill sustained a blow on his left forearm while fielding on Day 3 of the 2nd Test. He has been taken for a precautionary scan. The BCCI Medical Team is assessing him. He won't be fielding today.#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/ph0GJsqpFi — BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2021 × Gill suffered a blow on the left forearm while fielding at forward short leg on Day 3 of the Test match after on of the English batsman's sweep shot hit the opener. Shubman did not have a great outing in the match as he was dismissed for his maiden Test duck in the first innings when he was out LBW to England pacer Olly Stone. The 21-year-old scored 14 runs in the second innings before being dismissed by Jack Leach. India, currently, are on top of the match with just four wickets needed to level the series against England.

'He won't be fielding today': Reason behind Shubman Gill's absence on Day 4

<p class="MsoNormal">James Anderson, in the first Test against India in Chennai, showed why he is hailed as one of the greatest exponents with the red-ball. The England veteran pacer enjoyed a fruitful outing on Day 5 of the first Test, wrapping up the likes of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane with some cracking display of reverse-swing. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Anderson bowled two back-to-back peaches to dismiss Gill and Rahane in a similar fashion with the ball pitching just outside off-stump at a good length before coming back to take the stumps for a ride. Not only did Anderson’s dual blow allowed England to get a strong grip into the match, it also broke the backbone of the Indian batting unit. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The 38-year-old then came back to get rid of an in-form Rishabh Pant to put England in a match-winning position. The visitors went on to win the match by 227 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-factor-held-england-back-from-early-declaration-joe-root-362495" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant factor held England back from early declaration: Joe Root</a></strong></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Here's James Anderson's epic full-over:&nbsp;</o:p></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">0W00W0<br />
Full over of James Anderson<a href="https://t.co/lWEEReud3T">pic.twitter.com/lWEEReud3T</a></p>
— Praveen (@iamPra98) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamPra98/status/1359146828759855105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Must be really cloudy in Chennai <a href="https://t.co/PVhX5SUjHC">pic.twitter.com/PVhX5SUjHC</a></p>
— Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheCricketGeek/status/1359026106205155328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>“The ball was reversing. We knew we had to get the lengths right and I managed to do that. I got a bit of luck with the bounce there. Reverse swing was huge for us. The pitch was obviously slow and deteriorating so movement in the air makes us seamers feel we can get a wicket any ball. I am feeling great. Had a good tour of Sri Lanka and have managed to carry on the form here as well,” Anderson said after the end of the first Test.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-kevin-pietersen-tweets-in-hindi-reminds-fans-of-his-warning-following-chennai-test-362478" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Glad to have got the nod for this game, we have a good lot of bowlers here. It was hard graft out there for five days, now need to rest well for three days and come hard again in... well three days (smiles). Root is a great player of spin. Has led us from the front, led by example. Hopefully, he can continue the form and the rest of us can chip in,” the England veteran added.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">It remains to be seen whether Anderson gets the nod for the second Test with England’s strong rotation policy coming into the play. It was Stuart Broad who missed out of the match and is expected to come back into the playing XI for the second Test, scheduled to start from February 13 in Chennai.<o:p></o:p></p>


James Anderson, in the first Test against India in Chennai, showed why he is hailed as one of the greatest exponents with the red-ball. The England veteran pacer enjoyed a fruitful outing on Day 5 of the first Test, wrapping up the likes of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane with some cracking display of reverse-swing.

James Anderson, in the first Test against India in Chennai, showed why he is hailed as one of the greatest exponents with the red-ball. The England veteran pacer enjoyed a fruitful outing on Day 5 of the first Test, wrapping up the likes of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane with some cracking display of reverse-swing. Anderson bowled two back-to-back peaches to dismiss Gill and Rahane in a similar fashion with the ball pitching just outside off-stump at a good length before coming back to take the stumps for a ride. Not only did Anderson’s dual blow allowed England to get a strong grip into the match, it also broke the backbone of the Indian batting unit. The 38-year-old then came back to get rid of an in-form Rishabh Pant to put England in a match-winning position. The visitors went on to win the match by 227 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant factor held England back from early declaration: Joe Root Here's James Anderson's epic full-over: 0W00W0 Full over of James Andersonpic.twitter.com/lWEEReud3T — Praveen (@iamPra98) February 9, 2021 × Must be really cloudy in Chennai pic.twitter.com/PVhX5SUjHC — Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) February 9, 2021 × “The ball was reversing. We knew we had to get the lengths right and I managed to do that. I got a bit of luck with the bounce there. Reverse swing was huge for us. The pitch was obviously slow and deteriorating so movement in the air makes us seamers feel we can get a wicket any ball. I am feeling great. Had a good tour of Sri Lanka and have managed to carry on the form here as well,” Anderson said after the end of the first Test. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test “Glad to have got the nod for this game, we have a good lot of bowlers here. It was hard graft out there for five days, now need to rest well for three days and come hard again in... well three days (smiles). Root is a great player of spin. Has led us from the front, led by example. Hopefully, he can continue the form and the rest of us can chip in,” the England veteran added. It remains to be seen whether Anderson gets the nod for the second Test with England’s strong rotation policy coming into the play. It was Stuart Broad who missed out of the match and is expected to come back into the playing XI for the second Test, scheduled to start from February 13 in Chennai.

Watch: James Anderson dismisses Shubman Gill, Ajinkya Rahane with jaffas!

<p>Visitors England registered a mammoth 227-run over hosts as James Anderson and James Leach produced great bowling spells to crumble &nbsp;India's batting order on Day 5 of the first Test, taking a lead of 1-0 in the series.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-virat-kohli-creates-new-record-during-fourth-innings-of-chennai-test-362382" hreflang="en">Ind vs Eng: Virat Kohli creates new record during fourth innings of Chennai Test</a></p>

<p>In the presentation after the match, Kohli said that his team could not put enough pressure on visitors with the ball. He said: "I don't think we put enough pressure on them with the ball in the first half. Collectively as a bowling unit, fast bowlers and Ash were good in the first innings but we also needed to contain a few more runs and create pressure."</p>

<p>Kohli went on to&nbsp;talk about the body language of the team and said that it was not "up to the mark" during the first innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India had already lost Rohit Sharma when Pujara and Gill came down to bat on Day 5 chasing 381 runs. &nbsp;Despite a good start against the spin, the partnership was broken by a clinical spell by Jack Leach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Skipper Kohli and Shubman Gill tried to stabilise the Indian innings. However, James Anderson's reverse swing removed to Indian batsmen in one over (Gill and Rahane) putting immense pressure on Indian captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat Kohli added the most runs to the scoreboard, he scored 72 runs in 104 balls before getting bowled by Ben Stokes. Gill was the only other batsman to score a half-century before a perfect in-swinger by Anderson crashed the stumps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli tried to hold on to the crease with Ravichandran Ashwin, however, the 50-run stand was broken by Jack Leach.</p>

<p>Leach scalped four wickets and Anderson removed three major batsmen. Bess, Archer, Stokes got a man each.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With this win, England go 1-0 in the four-match series against India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Stats after India's loss:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>- India's 1st Test defeat in Chennai since 1999</p>

<p>- End of India's 8-match winning streak in home Tests</p>

<p>- End of India's 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests</p>

<p>- 1st Test 5-fer for R Ashwin in a home Test loss (22 fifers)</p>

<p>- 1st home Test defeat for Rohit Sharma (15 Tests)</p>


Visitors England registered a mammoth 227-run over hosts as James Anderson and James Leach produced great bowling spells to crumble India's batting order on Day 5 of the first Test, taking a lead of 1-0 in the series.

Visitors England registered a mammoth 227-run over hosts as James Anderson and James Leach produced great bowling spells to crumble India's batting order on Day 5 of the first Test, taking a lead of 1-0 in the series. Also read: Ind vs Eng: Virat Kohli creates new record during fourth innings of Chennai Test In the presentation after the match, Kohli said that his team could not put enough pressure on visitors with the ball. He said: "I don't think we put enough pressure on them with the ball in the first half. Collectively as a bowling unit, fast bowlers and Ash were good in the first innings but we also needed to contain a few more runs and create pressure." Kohli went on to talk about the body language of the team and said that it was not "up to the mark" during the first innings. India had already lost Rohit Sharma when Pujara and Gill came down to bat on Day 5 chasing 381 runs. Despite a good start against the spin, the partnership was broken by a clinical spell by Jack Leach. Skipper Kohli and Shubman Gill tried to stabilise the Indian innings. However, James Anderson's reverse swing removed to Indian batsmen in one over (Gill and Rahane) putting immense pressure on Indian captain. Virat Kohli added the most runs to the scoreboard, he scored 72 runs in 104 balls before getting bowled by Ben Stokes. Gill was the only other batsman to score a half-century before a perfect in-swinger by Anderson crashed the stumps. Kohli tried to hold on to the crease with Ravichandran Ashwin, however, the 50-run stand was broken by Jack Leach. Leach scalped four wickets and Anderson removed three major batsmen. Bess, Archer, Stokes got a man each. With this win, England go 1-0 in the four-match series against India. Stats after India's loss: - India's 1st Test defeat in Chennai since 1999 - End of India's 8-match winning streak in home Tests - End of India's 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests - 1st Test 5-fer for R Ashwin in a home Test loss (22 fifers) - 1st home Test defeat for Rohit Sharma (15 Tests)

IND vs ENG, First Test: England go 1-0 up in the series as they beat India by 227 runs

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{33263d25-4ad8-4c68-b7d4-df7a02a6e26e}{108}" paraid="1727118156" >Young Indian batsman&nbsp;Shubman&nbsp;Gill has already impressed many with his stroke-play and solid technique in the ongoing four-match Test series against Australia. Gill, who made his Test debut&nbsp;in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, registered his first Test half-century on Day 2 of the Sydney Test.&nbsp;Gill’s batting and maturity impressed many including former cricketers and fans as they hailed the youngster as one of the best young talents in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Gill for his solid defence as well as attacking stroke-play.</p>

<p>"I wish Shubman Gill could have carried on from that half-century to century. What we saw in this innings confirms that he is one of India's brightest prospects. He got behind the line, he has got wonderful ray for shots, as I said, he played some sparkling and spanking shots but basically, the way he got behind the line of the ball was so, so impressive and that is the thing actually you want to look at the opening batsman, how quickly and how confidently they get behind the line of the ball. Shubman Gill's defence was as good as his attacking batting and that is why I think he has got a big career ahead of him," Gavaskar said on Sony Network after the end of Day 2.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whos-your-favourite-player-marnus-labuschagne-involved-in-a-banter-with-shubman-gill-355398" hreflang="en">'Who’s your favourite player?': Marnus Labuschagne involved in a banter with Shubman Gill</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{33263d25-4ad8-4c68-b7d4-df7a02a6e26e}{108}" paraid="1727118156" >WATCH: Shubman Gill impresses with quality stroke-play against Australia</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Baby 🐐<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shubmangill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shubmangill</a> <a href="https://t.co/YjK9ZzkTcJ">pic.twitter.com/YjK9ZzkTcJ</a></p>
— ✨☬ (@Kourageous__) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kourageous__/status/1347439218520444928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey, on-air, said Gill is becoming his&nbsp;favourite&nbsp;player.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{374bfddd-20e8-4387-bfbf-45d8daa1ce6d}{199}" paraid="1464803329" >Whereas&nbsp;Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik, who has seen Gill in close quarters,&nbsp;wrote on Twitter “a star has arrived”.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A ⭐️ has arrived. Good start Gilly! You looked good the whole time. Don’t be too hard on yourself about the dismissal.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/WHVyN3J0QY">pic.twitter.com/WHVyN3J0QY</a></p>
— DK (@DineshKarthik) <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik/status/1347437041772945409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former&nbsp;England captain Michael Vaughan termed Gill as the “next big thing in Test cricket”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{313297f6-9aa6-4c73-ad19-e0cd21ebf78e}{32}" paraid="1937048276" >“You could argue @RealShubmanGill is the next big thing in Test Cricket ... My prediction is he is .... #AUSvIND,” tweeted Michael Vaughan.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{313297f6-9aa6-4c73-ad19-e0cd21ebf78e}{32}" paraid="1937048276" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sydney-test-smiths-27th-test-ton-gills-class-steal-thunders-as-day-2-ends-in-balance-355357" hreflang="en">Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You could argue <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealShubmanGill</a> is the next big thing in Test Cricket ... My prediction is he is .... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1347486816987996160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>While VVS Laxman was all praise for Gill’s batting technique and clarity of thought.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{520d7cb5-9793-45db-b4da-fa4fb6d85111}{150}" paraid="374400573" >“For someone playing only his 2nd test match @RealShubmanGill looks very assured at the wicket. Good solid&nbsp;defence, positive stroke play and clarity of thought. Definitely has a very bright future for India in all the 3 formats. #AUSvsIND,” Laxman said in a tweet.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For someone playing only his 2nd test match <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealShubmanGill</a> looks very assured at the wicket. Good solid defence, positive stroke play and clarity of thought. Definitely has a very bright future for India in all the 3 formats. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a></p>
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1347418499069562882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag lavished praise on Gill as he said the youngster looks the real deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{520d7cb5-9793-45db-b4da-fa4fb6d85111}{176}" paraid="1413519121" >“Excellent performance by Jadeja with the ball and in the field with taht brilliant runout.&nbsp;Shubman&nbsp;Gill looks the real deal. Excellent composure and loved his backfoot play. But really enjoyed this fun&nbsp;moment,&nbsp;courtesy&nbsp;Bumrah,” tweeted Sehwag.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Excellent performance by Jadeja with the ball and in the field with taht brilliant runout. Shubman Gill looks the real deal. Excellent composure and loved his backfoot play. But really enjoyed this fun moment , courtesy Bumrah <a href="https://t.co/7Ts7vhbZzW">pic.twitter.com/7Ts7vhbZzW</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1347470383746740224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar, who is one of the commentators in the ongoing series, branded Gill as “potential world-class player”.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5bc137c6-1f04-4ebb-8597-4bf5cd47f390}{125}" paraid="2136604830" >“Such a nice satisfying day of Test cricket to watch. Saw excellence in batting through&nbsp;Steve Smith. Excellence in fielding thanks to Jadeja and potential world-class player of the future in&nbsp;Shubman&nbsp;Gill,” said Manjrekar.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Such a nice satisfying day of Test cricket to watch. Saw excellence in batting through Steve Smith. Excellence in fielding thanks to Jadeja and potential world class player of the future in Shubman Gill. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/1347478295852421128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Most elegant opening pair of recent times? Yes sir! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohithSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohithSharma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShubhamGill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShubhamGill</a></p>
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IrfanPathan/status/1347454513150455808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He is just starting out but Shubman Gill is the real thing.</p>
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/1347483434826878983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a> was all praise for <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealShubmanGill</a> after the youngster scored his maiden Test fifty at the SCG. 👏👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/wTTGu3HwB3">pic.twitter.com/wTTGu3HwB3</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1347486330373038081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy Shubman Gill day everyone <a href="https://t.co/9STjcC8eb8">https://t.co/9STjcC8eb8</a></p>
— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) <a href="https://twitter.com/scottbstyris/status/1347422757051461632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shubman Gill looks the part,times the ball so well. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZAbbasOfficial/status/1347429468860723200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gill became the youngest Indian opener to register a half-century on Australian soil in Test cricket. However, he was soon sent packing by Pat Cummins for 50.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{45b19c7f-71cc-4ce1-abdb-d3a41b5f000e}{172}" paraid="1474538236" >At the end of Day 2, India were still behind by 242 runs as the visitors ended the day with 96/2 on the board.&nbsp;</p>


Young Indian batsman Shubman Gill has already impressed many with his stroke-play and solid technique in the ongoing four-match Test series against Australia. Gill, who made his Test debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, registered his first Test half-century on Day 2 of the Sydney Test.

Young Indian batsman Shubman Gill has already impressed many with his stroke-play and solid technique in the ongoing four-match Test series against Australia. Gill, who made his Test debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, registered his first Test half-century on Day 2 of the Sydney Test. Gill’s batting and maturity impressed many including former cricketers and fans as they hailed the youngster as one of the best young talents in the world. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Gill for his solid defence as well as attacking stroke-play. "I wish Shubman Gill could have carried on from that half-century to century. What we saw in this innings confirms that he is one of India's brightest prospects. He got behind the line, he has got wonderful ray for shots, as I said, he played some sparkling and spanking shots but basically, the way he got behind the line of the ball was so, so impressive and that is the thing actually you want to look at the opening batsman, how quickly and how confidently they get behind the line of the ball. Shubman Gill's defence was as good as his attacking batting and that is why I think he has got a big career ahead of him," Gavaskar said on Sony Network after the end of Day 2. ALSO READ: 'Who’s your favourite player?': Marnus Labuschagne involved in a banter with Shubman Gill WATCH: Shubman Gill impresses with quality stroke-play against Australia Baby 🐐#Shubmangill pic.twitter.com/YjK9ZzkTcJ — ✨☬ (@Kourageous__) January 8, 2021 × Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey, on-air, said Gill is becoming his favourite player. Whereas Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik, who has seen Gill in close quarters, wrote on Twitter “a star has arrived”. A ⭐️ has arrived. Good start Gilly! You looked good the whole time. Don’t be too hard on yourself about the dismissal.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/WHVyN3J0QY — DK (@DineshKarthik) January 8, 2021 × Former England captain Michael Vaughan termed Gill as the “next big thing in Test cricket” “You could argue @RealShubmanGill is the next big thing in Test Cricket ... My prediction is he is .... #AUSvIND,” tweeted Michael Vaughan. ALSO READ: Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance You could argue @RealShubmanGill is the next big thing in Test Cricket ... My prediction is he is .... #AUSvIND — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 8, 2021 × While VVS Laxman was all praise for Gill’s batting technique and clarity of thought. “For someone playing only his 2nd test match @RealShubmanGill looks very assured at the wicket. Good solid defence, positive stroke play and clarity of thought. Definitely has a very bright future for India in all the 3 formats. #AUSvsIND,” Laxman said in a tweet. For someone playing only his 2nd test match @RealShubmanGill looks very assured at the wicket. Good solid defence, positive stroke play and clarity of thought. Definitely has a very bright future for India in all the 3 formats. #AUSvsIND — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 8, 2021 × Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag lavished praise on Gill as he said the youngster looks the real deal. “Excellent performance by Jadeja with the ball and in the field with taht brilliant runout. Shubman Gill looks the real deal. Excellent composure and loved his backfoot play. But really enjoyed this fun moment, courtesy Bumrah,” tweeted Sehwag. Excellent performance by Jadeja with the ball and in the field with taht brilliant runout. Shubman Gill looks the real deal. Excellent composure and loved his backfoot play. But really enjoyed this fun moment , courtesy Bumrah pic.twitter.com/7Ts7vhbZzW — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 8, 2021 × Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar, who is one of the commentators in the ongoing series, branded Gill as “potential world-class player”. “Such a nice satisfying day of Test cricket to watch. Saw excellence in batting through Steve Smith. Excellence in fielding thanks to Jadeja and potential world-class player of the future in Shubman Gill,” said Manjrekar. Such a nice satisfying day of Test cricket to watch. Saw excellence in batting through Steve Smith. Excellence in fielding thanks to Jadeja and potential world class player of the future in Shubman Gill. #AUSvIND — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 8, 2021 × Most elegant opening pair of recent times? Yes sir! #RohithSharma #ShubhamGill — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 8, 2021 × He is just starting out but Shubman Gill is the real thing. — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 8, 2021 × .@imjadeja was all praise for @RealShubmanGill after the youngster scored his maiden Test fifty at the SCG. 👏👏#TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/wTTGu3HwB3 — BCCI (@BCCI) January 8, 2021 × Happy Shubman Gill day everyone https://t.co/9STjcC8eb8 — Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) January 8, 2021 × Shubman Gill looks the part,times the ball so well. #AUSvIND — zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) January 8, 2021 × Gill became the youngest Indian opener to register a half-century on Australian soil in Test cricket. However, he was soon sent packing by Pat Cummins for 50. At the end of Day 2, India were still behind by 242 runs as the visitors ended the day with 96/2 on the board.

'He's the next big thing' - Cricket fraternity left awestruck by Shubman Gill after maiden half-century

<p>Shubman Gill enjoyed a good outing on the second day of the third Test against Australia. The 21-year-old slammed his maiden 50 in the match and gave India a great start against the Australian.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-becomes-first-player-to-smash-100-international-sixes-against-australia-355335" hreflang="en">Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>However, during the match, Australia's Marnus Labuschagne was involved with banter with India's young gun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Who’s your favourite player?” Asked Labuschagne between deliveries of Starc’s second over.</p>

<p>“I will tell you after the match,” replied Gill.</p>

<p>Labuschagne was not satisfied with the answer and he went on to ask whether it was Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli.</p>

<p>“After the ball... Sachin? Do you reckon Virat?” he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/marnus3cricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marnus3cricket</a> was enjoying being back under the helmet for the Aussies! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/GaCWPkTthl">pic.twitter.com/GaCWPkTthl</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1347410827284922369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Labuschagne did not stop there. His words continued when Rohit Sharma was on strike. “hey what did you do in quarantine?” he asked the India opener, who made a comeback to Indian XI in this Test match after spending 14 days in quarantine.</p>

<p>The Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed some breathtaking display of cricket from both sides. While Australia, batting first, got to a great position after a fine century from talisman Steve Smith, Indians bounced back strong with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as they day ended in balance. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian openers Rohit and Gill had a fine start as they stitched a crucial partnership of 70 runs off 27 overs before Rohit pushed a fuller delivery by Hazlewood too hard as the Aussie bowler took a sharp catch off his own bowling. Gill departed soon after completing his maiden half-century in international cricket. &nbsp;</p>

<p>At the end of Day 2, veteran batsmen Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were at the crease for India and would be looking to score big in what has been a batting-friendly track at the Sydney Cricket Ground. &nbsp;</p>


Shubman Gill enjoyed a good outing on the second day of the third Test against Australia. The 21-year-old slammed his maiden 50 in the match and gave India a great start against the Australian.

Shubman Gill enjoyed a good outing on the second day of the third Test against Australia. The 21-year-old slammed his maiden 50 in the match and gave India a great start against the Australian. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia However, during the match, Australia's Marnus Labuschagne was involved with banter with India's young gun. “Who’s your favourite player?” Asked Labuschagne between deliveries of Starc’s second over. “I will tell you after the match,” replied Gill. Labuschagne was not satisfied with the answer and he went on to ask whether it was Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli. “After the ball... Sachin? Do you reckon Virat?” he said. .@marnus3cricket was enjoying being back under the helmet for the Aussies! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/GaCWPkTthl — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 8, 2021 × Labuschagne did not stop there. His words continued when Rohit Sharma was on strike. “hey what did you do in quarantine?” he asked the India opener, who made a comeback to Indian XI in this Test match after spending 14 days in quarantine. The Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed some breathtaking display of cricket from both sides. While Australia, batting first, got to a great position after a fine century from talisman Steve Smith, Indians bounced back strong with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as they day ended in balance. Indian openers Rohit and Gill had a fine start as they stitched a crucial partnership of 70 runs off 27 overs before Rohit pushed a fuller delivery by Hazlewood too hard as the Aussie bowler took a sharp catch off his own bowling. Gill departed soon after completing his maiden half-century in international cricket. At the end of Day 2, veteran batsmen Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were at the crease for India and would be looking to score big in what has been a batting-friendly track at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

'Who’s your favourite player?': Marnus Labuschagne involved in a banter with Shubman Gill

<p>The Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed some breathtaking display of cricket from both the sides. While Australia, batting first, got to a great position after a fine century from talisman Steve Smith, Indians bounced back strong with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as they day ended in balance. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia started the day strongly as Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith continued their partnership with some great display of batting. While Labuschagne was unfortunate to miss out on his fifth Test century as he was dismissed for 91 by Ravindra Jadeja, Smith went on to register his 27th Test century. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith was the last Australian player to be dismissed, after a spellbinding direct hit from the deep by Ravindra Jadeja, as the former Aussie skipper watches wickets tumble from the other end before getting out. Australia ended up with 338 runs on board.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-becomes-first-player-to-smash-100-international-sixes-against-australia-355335" hreflang="en">Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>For India, Ravindra Jadeja picked up four wickets while Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Navdeep Saini scalped two each. Mohammed Siraj ended up with a wicket under his belt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian openers Rohit and Gill had a fine start as they stitched a crucial partnership of 70 runs off 27 overs before Rohit pushed a fuller delivery by Hazlewood too hard as the Aussie bowler took a sharp catch off his own bowling. Gill departed soon after completing his maiden half-century in international cricket. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bairstow-hails-kallis-as-fantastic-addition-for-england-355321" hreflang="en">Bairstow hails Kallis as 'fantastic addition' for England</a></strong></p>

<p>At the end of Day 2, veteran batsmen Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were at the crease for India and would be looking to score big in what has been a batting-friendly track at the Sydney Cricket Ground. &nbsp;</p>


The Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed some breathtaking display of cricket from both the sides. While Australia, batting first, got to a great position after a fine century from talisman Steve Smith, Indians bounced back strong with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as they day ended in balance.

The Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed some breathtaking display of cricket from both the sides. While Australia, batting first, got to a great position after a fine century from talisman Steve Smith, Indians bounced back strong with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as they day ended in balance. Australia started the day strongly as Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith continued their partnership with some great display of batting. While Labuschagne was unfortunate to miss out on his fifth Test century as he was dismissed for 91 by Ravindra Jadeja, Smith went on to register his 27th Test century. Smith was the last Australian player to be dismissed, after a spellbinding direct hit from the deep by Ravindra Jadeja, as the former Aussie skipper watches wickets tumble from the other end before getting out. Australia ended up with 338 runs on board. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia For India, Ravindra Jadeja picked up four wickets while Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Navdeep Saini scalped two each. Mohammed Siraj ended up with a wicket under his belt. Indian openers Rohit and Gill had a fine start as they stitched a crucial partnership of 70 runs off 27 overs before Rohit pushed a fuller delivery by Hazlewood too hard as the Aussie bowler took a sharp catch off his own bowling. Gill departed soon after completing his maiden half-century in international cricket. ALSO READ: Bairstow hails Kallis as 'fantastic addition' for England At the end of Day 2, veteran batsmen Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were at the crease for India and would be looking to score big in what has been a batting-friendly track at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance

<p>The five Indian players -- Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw and Navdeep Saini -- who are at the centre of an alleged breach of Cricket Australia`s bio-security protocols, are expected to play in the third Test beginning Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) despite an ongoing investigation by the BCCI.<br />
<br />
The five players, who were put in isolation after both the Australian and Indian cricket boards launched an investigation into a video showing them sitting indoors in a restaurant in Melbourne on Friday, have been asked to train separately from the rest of the squad and it could be possible that they will travel on Monday separately from the squad.<br />
<br />
According to a Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is expected to take a "pragmatic approach" should it find the quintet had breached the bio-security protocols. Cricket Australia cannot sanction the said players even if their rules are found to have been broken as the quintet are not their employees, the SMH report further stated.<br />
<br />
The Indian side on Sunday boarded two buses to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for a gym session after their practice session was cancelled due to rain.<br />
<br />
Gill boarded a team bus to return to the hotel with several other members of the touring party after training but a spokesman for the Indian side said social distancing requirements were met, the report claimed.<br />
<br />
According to the publication, Friday`s incident was not the first time that Indian players seemingly breached the bio-secure protocols.<br />
<br />
India captain Virat Kohli and limited-overs all-rounder Hardik Pandya were also pictured at a shop in Sydney in early December during the white-ball leg of the tour.<br />
<br />
There have been reports emerging about Team India`s reluctance to play the fourth and final Test of the ongoing series in Brisbane due to harsher bio-security protocols in Queensland.<br />
<br />
However, members of the Queensland government have stated that the Indian team should not enter the state if they are unwilling to coordinate with the protocols that have been laid out.<br />
<br />
The ongoing four-match series is currently tied at 1-1 with Australia winning the first Test in Adelaide while India registering a win in the second in Melbourne.</p>


The five Indian players -- Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw and Navdeep Saini -- who are at the centre of an alleged breach of Cricket Australia`s bio-security protocols, are expected to play in the third Test beginning Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) despite an ongoing investigation by the BCCI.

The five Indian players -- Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw and Navdeep Saini -- who are at the centre of an alleged breach of Cricket Australia`s bio-security protocols, are expected to play in the third Test beginning Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) despite an ongoing investigation by the BCCI. The five players, who were put in isolation after both the Australian and Indian cricket boards launched an investigation into a video showing them sitting indoors in a restaurant in Melbourne on Friday, have been asked to train separately from the rest of the squad and it could be possible that they will travel on Monday separately from the squad. According to a Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is expected to take a "pragmatic approach" should it find the quintet had breached the bio-security protocols. Cricket Australia cannot sanction the said players even if their rules are found to have been broken as the quintet are not their employees, the SMH report further stated. The Indian side on Sunday boarded two buses to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for a gym session after their practice session was cancelled due to rain. Gill boarded a team bus to return to the hotel with several other members of the touring party after training but a spokesman for the Indian side said social distancing requirements were met, the report claimed. According to the publication, Friday`s incident was not the first time that Indian players seemingly breached the bio-secure protocols. India captain Virat Kohli and limited-overs all-rounder Hardik Pandya were also pictured at a shop in Sydney in early December during the white-ball leg of the tour. There have been reports emerging about Team India`s reluctance to play the fourth and final Test of the ongoing series in Brisbane due to harsher bio-security protocols in Queensland. However, members of the Queensland government have stated that the Indian team should not enter the state if they are unwilling to coordinate with the protocols that have been laid out. The ongoing four-match series is currently tied at 1-1 with Australia winning the first Test in Adelaide while India registering a win in the second in Melbourne.

Sharma, Gill, Pant expected to play 3rd Test despite bubble inquiry: report

<p>Five players in Team India have been placed under isolation as Cricket Australia (CA) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are investigating allegations of breach of biosecurity protocols after a video surfaced showing the players eating at a Melbourne restaurant.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-suffers-cardiac-arrest-admitted-in-woodlands-hospital-354021" hreflang="en">BCCI president Sourav Ganguly suffers cardiac arrest; undergoing primary angioplasty</a></p>

<p>Recently a video made rounds on social media where Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Navdeep Saini and Prithvi Shaw can be seen dining together. These allegations come amidst the Border-Gavaskar Trophy where India is scheduled to take on Australia for the third Test of the series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the strict biosecurity protocols set by Cricket Australia, players are allowed to sit outside but not allowed to dine inside restaurants.</p>

<p>"On the advice of the Australian and Indian medical teams, the aforementioned players have been placed in isolation as a precaution. This will include separating the group of players from the broader Indian and Australian squads when travelling and at the training venue," stated a release from Cricket Australia.</p>

<p>"The BCCI and CA are investigating the matter and seeking to determine whether the outing constitutes a breach of biosecurity protocols," Cricket Australia said in a statement.</p>

<p>The third Test is scheduled to take place on January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.&nbsp;</p>


Five players in Team India have been placed under isolation as Cricket Australia (CA) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are investigating allegations of breach of biosecurity protocols after a video surfaced showing the players eating at a Melbourne restaurant.

Five players in Team India have been placed under isolation as Cricket Australia (CA) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are investigating allegations of breach of biosecurity protocols after a video surfaced showing the players eating at a Melbourne restaurant. Also read: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly suffers cardiac arrest; undergoing primary angioplasty Recently a video made rounds on social media where Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Navdeep Saini and Prithvi Shaw can be seen dining together. These allegations come amidst the Border-Gavaskar Trophy where India is scheduled to take on Australia for the third Test of the series. According to the strict biosecurity protocols set by Cricket Australia, players are allowed to sit outside but not allowed to dine inside restaurants. "On the advice of the Australian and Indian medical teams, the aforementioned players have been placed in isolation as a precaution. This will include separating the group of players from the broader Indian and Australian squads when travelling and at the training venue," stated a release from Cricket Australia. "The BCCI and CA are investigating the matter and seeking to determine whether the outing constitutes a breach of biosecurity protocols," Cricket Australia said in a statement. The third Test is scheduled to take place on January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Five players in Team India placed under in precautionary isolation over alleged breach in protocols

<p>Debutant Shubman Gill entered the record books after his brave 45 on the Day 2 of Boxing Day Test against Australian at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 21-year-old batsman became the third-highest run-scorer on Test debut for India in Australia.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-gavaskar-doesnt-wish-to-talk-about-rahanes-captaincy-fearing-accusation-352592" hreflang="en">Ind vs Aus: Gavaskar doesn't wish to talk about Rahane's captaincy fearing accusation</a></p>

<p>Shubman Gill stabilised the Indian innings after they lost Mayank Agarwal early. He scored 45 runs off 65 balls on Day 2 of the second Test before being dismissed by Pat Cummins.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gill's opening partner, Mayank Agarwal tops the unique feat, who scored 76 on debut Down Under in 2018. Former Indian cricketer Dattu Phadkar is second, who had scored 51 runs on his debut in Sydney in December 1947.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-has-worked-really-hard-and-come-up-the-ranks-jasprit-bumrah-praises-fellow-paceman-siraj-352585" hreflang="en">'He has worked really hard and come up the ranks': Jasprit Bumrah praises fellow paceman Siraj</a></p>

<p>Gill replaced out-of-form Prithvi Shaw for the second Test. He stitched a 61-run stand with Pujara to stabilise Indian innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India ended Day 2 well after taking a lead of 82 runs. Skipper Rahane led from the front after scoring a vital century. His 104-run partnership with Jadeja has been going strong as of now and the visitors might easily breach the 300-mark on Day 3.&nbsp;</p>


Debutant Shubman Gill entered the record books after his brave 45 on the Day 2 of Boxing Day Test against Australian at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 21-year-old batsman became the third-highest run-scorer on Test debut for India in Australia.

Debutant Shubman Gill entered the record books after his brave 45 on the Day 2 of Boxing Day Test against Australian at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 21-year-old batsman became the third-highest run-scorer on Test debut for India in Australia. ALSO READ: Ind vs Aus: Gavaskar doesn't wish to talk about Rahane's captaincy fearing accusation Shubman Gill stabilised the Indian innings after they lost Mayank Agarwal early. He scored 45 runs off 65 balls on Day 2 of the second Test before being dismissed by Pat Cummins. Gill's opening partner, Mayank Agarwal tops the unique feat, who scored 76 on debut Down Under in 2018. Former Indian cricketer Dattu Phadkar is second, who had scored 51 runs on his debut in Sydney in December 1947. ALSO READ: 'He has worked really hard and come up the ranks': Jasprit Bumrah praises fellow paceman Siraj Gill replaced out-of-form Prithvi Shaw for the second Test. He stitched a 61-run stand with Pujara to stabilise Indian innings. India ended Day 2 well after taking a lead of 82 runs. Skipper Rahane led from the front after scoring a vital century. His 104-run partnership with Jadeja has been going strong as of now and the visitors might easily breach the 300-mark on Day 3.

Debutant Shubman Gill enters record books after brave 45 runs on Boxing Day Test

<p>Mohammed Siraj made his much-awaited debut in Test cricket after many struggles in domestic cricket and personal life. He was presented with Test cap by R Ashwin, who welcomed the debutant with short and classy speech.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-2nd-test-team-india-end-day-1-on-a-high-note-as-australia-bowled-out-for-195-352533" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS, 2nd Test: Team India end Day 1 on a high note as Australia bowled out for 195</a></p>

<p>“Coming through First-Class grind and India A grind, you have earned this Test cap. You will rally around with the team throughout this Test match,” Ashwin told Siraj before the young man took the cap from him and wore it before the start of the second Test against Australia even as the rest of the Indian players were cheering and clapping.</p>

<p>Siraj replaced injured-Shami, who fractured his wrist in the first Test against Australia. He&nbsp;had a great Day 1 at MCG as he scalped two wickets including the man in form Labuschagne.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BCCI also highlighted how Siraj battled a personal tragedy - he lost his father at the early stages of the Australia tour - and decided to stay on with the team.</p>

<p>The board took to Twitter and said: "He battled personal tragedy, fought adversity and is now rewarded with India’s Test 🧢 no. 298. Congratulations Mohammed Siraj. Go seize the day!"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He battled personal tragedy, fought adversity and is now rewarded with India's Test 🧢 no. 298. Congratulations Mohammed Siraj. Go seize the day! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/D48TUJ4txp">pic.twitter.com/D48TUJ4txp</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1342610727236849670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Punjab's Shubman Gill was handed the other debut cap. Head coach Ravi Shastri did the honours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The moment when your dreams come true. No better stage than the Boxing Day Test to make your maiden Test appearance. Shubman Gill is now the proud holder of India’s Test cap No. 297,” tweeted BCCI.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The moment when your dreams come true. No better stage than the Boxing Day Test to make your maiden Test appearance. <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealShubmanGill</a> is now the proud holder of India's Test cap 🧢 No. 297. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/G0kdE9TgNU">pic.twitter.com/G0kdE9TgNU</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1342609199142858752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Mohammed Siraj made his much-awaited debut in Test cricket after many struggles in domestic cricket and personal life. He was presented with Test cap by R Ashwin, who welcomed the debutant with short and classy speech.

Mohammed Siraj made his much-awaited debut in Test cricket after many struggles in domestic cricket and personal life. He was presented with Test cap by R Ashwin, who welcomed the debutant with short and classy speech. Also read: IND vs AUS, 2nd Test: Team India end Day 1 on a high note as Australia bowled out for 195 “Coming through First-Class grind and India A grind, you have earned this Test cap. You will rally around with the team throughout this Test match,” Ashwin told Siraj before the young man took the cap from him and wore it before the start of the second Test against Australia even as the rest of the Indian players were cheering and clapping. Siraj replaced injured-Shami, who fractured his wrist in the first Test against Australia. He had a great Day 1 at MCG as he scalped two wickets including the man in form Labuschagne. The BCCI also highlighted how Siraj battled a personal tragedy - he lost his father at the early stages of the Australia tour - and decided to stay on with the team. The board took to Twitter and said: "He battled personal tragedy, fought adversity and is now rewarded with India’s Test 🧢 no. 298. Congratulations Mohammed Siraj. Go seize the day!" He battled personal tragedy, fought adversity and is now rewarded with India's Test 🧢 no. 298. Congratulations Mohammed Siraj. Go seize the day! #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/D48TUJ4txp — BCCI (@BCCI) December 25, 2020 × Punjab's Shubman Gill was handed the other debut cap. Head coach Ravi Shastri did the honours. “The moment when your dreams come true. No better stage than the Boxing Day Test to make your maiden Test appearance. Shubman Gill is now the proud holder of India’s Test cap No. 297,” tweeted BCCI. The moment when your dreams come true. No better stage than the Boxing Day Test to make your maiden Test appearance. @RealShubmanGill is now the proud holder of India's Test cap 🧢 No. 297. #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/G0kdE9TgNU — BCCI (@BCCI) December 25, 2020 ×

WATCH- 'You have earned this Test cap': Ashwin's motivating speech as he welcomes Siraj in playing XI

<p>Team India on Friday announced their playing XI for the second Test against Australia that is scheduled to be played from December 26. The hosts have decided to make four changes including debutants Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stat-alert-team-indias-88-year-old-history-on-line-in-boxing-day-test-vs-australia-352268" hreflang="en">Stat alert! Team India's 88-year-old history on line in Boxing Day Test vs Australia</a></p>

<p>The netizens can't keep calm after this news and have given mixed reactions. While some are happy with Gill and Siraj been given a chance to showcase their talent under these pressure conditions. Many were disappointed that KL Rahul was not included in the playing XI and why five bowlers were being played.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pant.. 😍<a href="https://t.co/sJWYGj1U9d">https://t.co/sJWYGj1U9d</a></p>
— Cricket Fanatic🏏 (@cric8fanatic) <a href="https://twitter.com/cric8fanatic/status/1342351153586061312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Vihari kyonnn?? Rahul ko laao</p>
— M (@thebrowwnboyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/thebrowwnboyy/status/1342351284754501632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">looking fwd to Siraj making debut</p>
— Admin (@MardanMatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/MardanMatch/status/1342351340329177088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Finally pant is back and gill thanks rahne</p>
— Raj Mrityunjay (@Rajromantic1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rajromantic1/status/1342351495539249152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Under Rahane's leadership, Jadeja, Pant, Gill and Siraj have been added to the squad. They will be replacing Virat Kohli, Mohammad Shami (ruled out due to fractured wrist), Wriddhiman Saha, and Prithvi Shaw.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Each and every individual in this team is really capable of doing well, so it’s really a challenge for the captain and management to select the 11,” Rahane told a video conference on Friday.</p>

<p>“We had just one bad hour (in Adelaide). It’s about staying positive, backing your own ability and batting in partnerships.”</p>

<p>Earlier on Friday, Rahane’s Australia counterpart Paine said even without Kohli and others, the wounded tourists were more than capable of reversing their fortunes.</p>

<p>“The moment we take our foot off the pedal, and think we’re going all right (performances can slip),” Paine told reporters. “A huge focus of ours ... has been winning after winning.</p>

<p>“We’ve been fantastic in how we’ve prepared for this game.”&nbsp;</p>


Team India on Friday announced their playing XI for the second Test against Australia that is scheduled to be played from December 26. The hosts have decided to make four changes including debutants Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj.

Team India on Friday announced their playing XI for the second Test against Australia that is scheduled to be played from December 26. The hosts have decided to make four changes including debutants Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj. ALSO READ: Stat alert! Team India's 88-year-old history on line in Boxing Day Test vs Australia The netizens can't keep calm after this news and have given mixed reactions. While some are happy with Gill and Siraj been given a chance to showcase their talent under these pressure conditions. Many were disappointed that KL Rahul was not included in the playing XI and why five bowlers were being played. Pant.. 😍https://t.co/sJWYGj1U9d — Cricket Fanatic🏏 (@cric8fanatic) December 25, 2020 × Vihari kyonnn?? Rahul ko laao — M (@thebrowwnboyy) December 25, 2020 × looking fwd to Siraj making debut — Admin (@MardanMatch) December 25, 2020 × Finally pant is back and gill thanks rahne — Raj Mrityunjay (@Rajromantic1) December 25, 2020 × Under Rahane's leadership, Jadeja, Pant, Gill and Siraj have been added to the squad. They will be replacing Virat Kohli, Mohammad Shami (ruled out due to fractured wrist), Wriddhiman Saha, and Prithvi Shaw. “Each and every individual in this team is really capable of doing well, so it’s really a challenge for the captain and management to select the 11,” Rahane told a video conference on Friday. “We had just one bad hour (in Adelaide). It’s about staying positive, backing your own ability and batting in partnerships.” Earlier on Friday, Rahane’s Australia counterpart Paine said even without Kohli and others, the wounded tourists were more than capable of reversing their fortunes. “The moment we take our foot off the pedal, and think we’re going all right (performances can slip),” Paine told reporters. “A huge focus of ours ... has been winning after winning. “We’ve been fantastic in how we’ve prepared for this game.”

Netizens give mixed reaction after Team India announce their playing XI

<p>The Indian cricket team on Friday announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia, scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as the visitors brought in the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant while handing debuts to youngsters Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) will not be available for the rest of the series as Jadeja and Siraj respectively replaced the duo in the playing XI while Gill replaced out-of-form Prithvi Shaw and Pant came in for Wriddhiman Saha. &nbsp;</p>

<p>India recorded their lowest Test total of 36 runs in the second innings of Adelaide Test where Australia thumped India by eight wickets inside three days to take a 1-0 lead in the series.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paine-wary-of-depleted-india-in-melbourne-352235" hreflang="en">Paine wary of depleted India in Melbourne</a></strong></p>

<p>“Each and every individual in this team is really capable of doing well, so it’s really a challenge for the captain and management to select the 11,” Rahane told a video conference on Friday.</p>

<p>“We had just one bad hour (in Adelaide). It’s about staying positive, backing your own ability and batting in partnerships.”</p>

<p>Earlier on Friday, Rahane’s Australian counterpart Tim Paine said that India, without Kohli and others, were more than capable of turning the tables in their favour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The moment we take our foot off the pedal, and think we’re going all right (performances can slip),” Paine told reporters. “A huge focus of ours ... has been winning after winning.</p>

<p>“We’ve been fantastic in how we’ve prepared for this game.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-will-come-out-and-fight-kris-srikkanth-on-boxing-day-test-352155" hreflang="en">'India will come out and fight': Kris Srikkanth on Boxing Day Test</a></strong></p>

<p>The Melbourne Cricket Ground is normally jam-packed during Boxing Day Tests but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the crowd has been limited to 30,000.</p>

<p>&nbsp;“It’s going to be different isn’t it,” Paine said.</p>

<p>“I think we’re just lucky to be playing a Boxing Day test at the MCG.”</p>


The Indian cricket team on Friday announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia, scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as the visitors brought in the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant while handing debuts to youngsters Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj.

The Indian cricket team on Friday announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia, scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as the visitors brought in the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant while handing debuts to youngsters Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj. Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) will not be available for the rest of the series as Jadeja and Siraj respectively replaced the duo in the playing XI while Gill replaced out-of-form Prithvi Shaw and Pant came in for Wriddhiman Saha. India recorded their lowest Test total of 36 runs in the second innings of Adelaide Test where Australia thumped India by eight wickets inside three days to take a 1-0 lead in the series. ALSO READ: Paine wary of depleted India in Melbourne “Each and every individual in this team is really capable of doing well, so it’s really a challenge for the captain and management to select the 11,” Rahane told a video conference on Friday. “We had just one bad hour (in Adelaide). It’s about staying positive, backing your own ability and batting in partnerships.” Earlier on Friday, Rahane’s Australian counterpart Tim Paine said that India, without Kohli and others, were more than capable of turning the tables in their favour. “The moment we take our foot off the pedal, and think we’re going all right (performances can slip),” Paine told reporters. “A huge focus of ours ... has been winning after winning. “We’ve been fantastic in how we’ve prepared for this game.” ALSO READ: 'India will come out and fight': Kris Srikkanth on Boxing Day Test The Melbourne Cricket Ground is normally jam-packed during Boxing Day Tests but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the crowd has been limited to 30,000. “It’s going to be different isn’t it,” Paine said. “I think we’re just lucky to be playing a Boxing Day test at the MCG.”

India announce playing XI for Boxing Day Test vs Australia; Shubman Gill to debut

<p>Young Indian opener Prithvi Shaw is likely to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, scheduled to start from January 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While there are calls for Shubman Gill to replace Shaw in the opening slot, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has given his take on who should replace Shaw as the opener in Indian playing XI.</p>

<p>Shaw has looked out of form since the Indian Premier League and continued his poor run of form in the warm-up matches against Australia A. However, he was handed a start in the Adelaide Test, which ended up in Australia’s favour with Shaw returning with scores of 0 and 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India lost the Adelaide Test by eight wickets after a historic collapse but are looking to make a few changes into the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a></strong></p>

<p>Gavaskar has said that KL Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw in the Indian playing XI in the Boxing Day Test. Rahul has been in superb touch in limited-overs cricket but his past form in Test cricket has been shoddy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“India will look at making 2 changes. Firstly, maybe Kl Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw as an opener. At No. 5 or No. 6, Shubman Gill should come in. His form has been good. Things can change if we start well,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak.</p>

<p>With India missing Virat Kohli for the remainder of the Test series, Gavaskar said Gill can slot in at number 5 or 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-virat-kohli-to-hold-special-team-meeting-before-leaving-for-india-351326" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India</a></strong></p>

<p>“India should start the Melbourne Test well, it’s necessary for them to step onto the ground with a lot of positivity. Australia’s weak point is their batting,” said Gavaskar.</p>

<p>“India have to believe that they can come back in the remainder of the Test series. If India don’t find the positivity, then there 4-0 series loss can happen. But if they have positivity, why not? It can happen (comeback). It’s natural that there is anger after such a performance. But in cricket, anything can happen. Look at how the scene was yesterday, and what has happened today,” he explained.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Young Indian opener Prithvi Shaw is likely to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, scheduled to start from January 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Young Indian opener Prithvi Shaw is likely to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, scheduled to start from January 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While there are calls for Shubman Gill to replace Shaw in the opening slot, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has given his take on who should replace Shaw as the opener in Indian playing XI. Shaw has looked out of form since the Indian Premier League and continued his poor run of form in the warm-up matches against Australia A. However, he was handed a start in the Adelaide Test, which ended up in Australia’s favour with Shaw returning with scores of 0 and 4. India lost the Adelaide Test by eight wickets after a historic collapse but are looking to make a few changes into the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? Gavaskar has said that KL Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw in the Indian playing XI in the Boxing Day Test. Rahul has been in superb touch in limited-overs cricket but his past form in Test cricket has been shoddy. “India will look at making 2 changes. Firstly, maybe Kl Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw as an opener. At No. 5 or No. 6, Shubman Gill should come in. His form has been good. Things can change if we start well,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak. With India missing Virat Kohli for the remainder of the Test series, Gavaskar said Gill can slot in at number 5 or 6. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India “India should start the Melbourne Test well, it’s necessary for them to step onto the ground with a lot of positivity. Australia’s weak point is their batting,” said Gavaskar. “India have to believe that they can come back in the remainder of the Test series. If India don’t find the positivity, then there 4-0 series loss can happen. But if they have positivity, why not? It can happen (comeback). It’s natural that there is anger after such a performance. But in cricket, anything can happen. Look at how the scene was yesterday, and what has happened today,” he explained.

Sunil Gavaskar wants this batsman to replace Prithvi Shaw in Boxing Day Test vs Australia

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