'Shubman Gill Not a Number 3 Player, he Should Open': Former India Selector

Former India selector Sarandeep Singh feels that India should make changes to their batting order and play Shubman Gill as an opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gill, who started his Test career as an opener, decided to bat at number 3 spot last year with the West Indies series. However, he failed to create any impact at the crucial spot replacing Cheteshwar Pujara. The 24-year-old has not hit a single fifty in Test cricket since taking the number 3 position.

Batting at number 3, he has scored just 189 runs in 9 innings at an average of 23.62.

Sarandeep feels that Rohit Sharma, who is a good player of spin bowling, should drop down to number 3 to make way for Gill at the top.

“Gill is not a number three player. He should open. Rohit is one of the best players of spin and can drop down to accommodate Gill at the top,” the former India off-spinner said.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer also shared similar views.

“Gill and Jaiswal should open and Rohit should bat at no.3 in 2nd test in my opinion. Waiting to bat for his turn isn’t helping Shubman, it’s better he opens the inn. Rohit plays spin really well, so batting at no.3 should not worry him too much,” Jaffer posted on X.

Gill’s place in India’s playing XI has also come under the scanners considering players like Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar are waiting for their chance after scoring big runs in the domestic circuit.

India batting coach Vikram Rathour on Wednesday, urging his wards to tackle England’s aggression with intelligence in the second Test here.

“There are young batters in our team who have not played much Test cricket. So, we need to be a bit patient with them. Batters like (Shubman) Gill, (Yashasvi) Jaiswal and (Shreyas) Iyer will eventually start getting big runs, I’m sure of it,” Rathour said at a press conference here.