NZ-India Tests: Shubman Gill brushes aside competition with Prithvi Shaw
The Indian cricket team management will need to decide upon who will open the batting alongside Mayank Agarwal in the Test series against New Zealand, starting February 21. India have to choose between youngsters Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw as Mayank's opening partner. Gill, who faces a challenge from Shaw, has brushed aside any thoughts of competition. Here's more.
An interesting situation has opened up for Team India
The absence of Rohit Sharma has opened up a spot for a second opener. However, given that Gill was a part of the Test squads against South Africa and Bangladesh, he could get the nod ahead of Shaw. He was impressive recently against New Zealand A. Meanwhile, Shaw too impressed since his return from a doping violation. It is an interesting situation for India.
It depends on the team management, says Gill
"Both of us have performed well in the opportunities that we have got. It depends on the team management who they will pick. So it's not like there is a fight between us," Gill told reporters on Thursday. He scored 527 runs including 204* in the five games he played for India A earlier on the tour.
How things shaped up for Shaw?
Shaw has played two Test matches for India back in 2018. He got off to a terrific start. However, the player faced an injury in the build-up to the series Down Under against Australia next. A doping violation that led to a suspension saw Shaw be out of the side. Post his return, he struck a double ton in the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai.
I am ready for the series: Gill
"I am ready for the series as I have enough match practice and I have played here before in India A tour. I think the wind factor is very important here. The bowlers plan their bowling, fielding according to the wind," Gill said.
What about Shubman Gill's position?
Gill has also scored runs at will and has the attributes to do well. Being in the Team India Test squads of late, he deserves a shout. Gill has scored 2,133 runs in 21 First-Class matches at 73.55. He has seven hundreds and 10 fifties under his belt. He is a player with great composure and can be a real asset for the side.
