Shubman Gill embraces No.3 spot with relish in Test cricket

Shubman Gill, the name itself brings an adrenaline rush. For those who have watched the dashing batter in demolition mode in white ball cricket, the rustic young man from Punjab has many avatars. Sadly, despite all his flair and famous knocks, he was ignored by the BCCI selectors for the ICC T20 World Cup this summer. That was a snub which shook up Gill. And the yardstick chosen for him not being part of the Men in Blue was a poor IPL 2024, where he was leading Gujarat Titans for the first time.

Never mind, Gill kept quiet. He did not resort to outbursts on social media nor did he press into play interviews which would have captured him as a victim. That was sensible, and proof, Gill is mature, despite being just 25. The problem with some young achievers is fans expect the world out of them. At one point of time, he was even being considered for leadership roles by the BCCI. It was unnecessary, and would have put a burden on Gill. It’s better he blossoms as a batter.

The superstar had to calibrate. And what a way he has done it in the third Test in Mumbai against New Zealand. To score 90 off 146 balls in the first innings is proof Gill has embraced the No.3 slot in the batting order with open arms. This is a position he asked for himself, knowing fully well it will be challenging. Maybe, Gill knew, with Yashasvi Jasiwal now a permanent opener, he had to grab something which would be challenging and at the same time something he enjoyed.

Batting in white ball shorter formats and Tests are totally different. India has seen many superb batsmen, now batters, in that No.3 role. Rahul Dravid was born for it and loved it till the end. In the case of Shubman Gill, he has realised the challenges have to be met, head on. If an early wicket falls, Gill has to be even more sure. His broad bat has always timed the ball sweetly. In Tests, the role gets enlarged, stay and bat and also ensure there is no rash shot played. There could also be a situation, where Gill has to drop anchor and hang in.

That is what he did on sunny Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium, against the Kiwis. It was a study in contrast, Gill showing restraint and Rishabh Pant in blazing form. In white ball cricket, slam-bang and whiz-thud, both these batters are destructive. Pant will not change his template. He has decided offence is the best defence. And one has seen in the two Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, Pant in belligerent mode, no change to his style, as he scored 60.

So, at the other end, Gill had to stay and watch. He loved the creativity from Pant, but restrained himself. The number of batters who have perished to the reverse sweep against spin has become a joke. Gill did nothing stupid like that. His patience was monk-like, plus he put a premium on his wicket. And the key was to tackle pace and spin with skill. How Gill did it is proof he wants to play all formats and earn his spot in the squad. At a time when the Indian Test team is in turbulence, Gill has shown a willingness to play hard cricket. It is not dull by any yardstick but to eschew some strokes and bat responsibly has shown Gill in good light. This is what the team expects from a No.3 batter at a time when  Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are struggling.

Last but not the least, where Shubman Gill has emerged as a leader is also for Gujarat Titans. He has taken a pay cut so that the team could work better on the IPL retentions. That defines him as selfless, not selfish. Likewise, Gill batting in Tests more responsibly should see him grab headlines more often. He will certainly be an asset Down Under, when India play Australia in what is being hyped as a massive five-Tests series.