Is Shubman Gill on the pathway to become India's next Rahul Dravid?

Shubman Gill delivered an outstanding performance, scoring his fifth Test century and his second against Bangladesh during the series opener at the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. After an unfortunate dismissal for a duck in the first innings—caught down the leg side—Gill made a remarkable comeback, showcasing his batting prowess with a masterful century in the second innings. On Day 3 of the match, Gill achieved a significant milestone by becoming only the second Indian No. 3 batsman to score a Test century at this historic venue, joining the ranks of former captain and head coach Rahul Dravid. Prior to Gill’s achievement, Dravid was the sole No. 3 for India to have scored a century in 35 Test matches played in Chennai, making this feat even more noteworthy.

Shubman Gill on the right path to become India's next Rahul Dravid?

Gill's performance not only underscores his talent and determination but also highlights his ability to rebound from setbacks. His century is a result to his growing stature in international cricket, as he continues to build on his promising career. As he joins Rahul Dravid in the record books, Gill's contributions will be vital for India as they look to secure victories in their ongoing series against Bangladesh. Fans and cricket enthusiasts alike are excited to witness his continued evolution as a key player for the Indian team. 

Shubman Gill reached his milestone with a single off Bangladesh off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, celebrating by bowing to the crowd in his signature style. He finished his innings unbeaten on 119 runs off 176 balls as India declared their second innings at 285/4, setting Bangladesh a daunting target of 515 runs. Achieving this target would set a world record, but based on their first innings performance—where they were bowled out for just 149—it seems a monumental challenge, especially against India’s formidable bowling attack.

During his innings in the India vs Bangladesh 1st Test, Gill faced 176 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and four sixes, showcasing his impressive stroke play. His contribution was crucial in establishing a significant fourth-wicket partnership with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Pant marked his return to red-ball cricket after nearly two years with a remarkable sixth Test century, equaling MS Dhoni's record for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper.

The dynamic duo formed a sparkling 167-run partnership, which nearly put Bangladesh out of contention. This collaboration was particularly vital as India, despite dominating the Test match, lost their first three wickets for just 67 runs in the second innings. Gill and Pant's efforts solidified India's position and underlined their capability to bounce back, enhancing the team's prospects as they continued their pursuit of victory in the series against Bangladesh. Shubman Gill displayed a transformed batting approach in the second innings of the Test, looking completely in control even against the new ball as Day 2 drew to a close. This trend has emerged throughout his Test career, as he appears notably more comfortable in second innings. Gill has recorded fifty-plus scores in each of his last five second innings, with impressive tallies of 119*, 104, 91, 52*, and 86*.

His second innings average stands at 49.11, significantly higher than his overall career average of 36.72. When focusing on the third innings of matches, his performance improves even further, boasting an average of 55.80. Remarkably, three of his five Test centuries have come in the third innings, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure when it matters most. This pattern underscores Gill's growing maturity as a batsman, suggesting that he thrives in challenging situations. As he continues to develop his game, his knack for scoring runs in crucial moments will be invaluable for the Indian team moving forward, enhancing their chances of success in future Test matches.

Earlier in the IND vs BAN 1st Test match, Ravichandran Ashwin played a crucial role, scoring 113 runs and propelling India to a total of 376 after they found themselves in a precarious position at 144 for 6. His impressive innings not only stabilized the team but also handed India a significant advantage. Jasprit Bumrah then took charge, leading the bowling attack to dismiss Bangladesh for just 149 runs, which gave the hosts a commanding 227-run lead heading into the second innings. This strong performance by Bumrah was instrumental in asserting India's dominance in the match.

As India embarks on a fresh Test season consisting of 10 matches, they are keen to extend their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings. With a rich history of success against Bangladesh—having never lost to them in a Test—India is well-positioned to continue their winning streak. The team’s combined efforts in batting and bowling highlight their ambition to solidify their status as a leading force in international cricket, making them formidable contenders as they progress through the series.