The first Test match between West Indies and India in Dominica signifies a fresh start for Rohit Sharma & Co. in several aspects. Firstly, the team provided Test caps to two debutants, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan, adding new talent to the squad. Additionally, the pace attack now have a different composition in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Another notable change in this two-match Test series is the introduction of a new No.3 batter for India. The selectors made the decision to drop Cheteshwar Pujara, and initially, it was expected that either Jaiswal or Ruturaj Gaikwad would fill that role. However, Shubman Gill, who has primarily been India’s designated Test opener since his debut Down Under in 2021, expressed his interest to bat at No.3 to head coach Rahul Dravid.
Although Gill has played 30 innings for India, he has batted at No.3 only once in a Test match against New Zealand in Mumbai, where he scored 47 runs. Nevertheless, the team management quickly moved him back to the opener’s spot for the following Test.
On the eve of the first Test against West Indies, Rohit disclosed that Gill will be slotted at No.3 as the 23-year-old wanted to bat there and had a conversation with coach Dravid about it.
“He himself went up to Rahul bhai (coach Dravid) and requested that since he has played all his cricket at No. 3 and 4, he feels he could contribute more for the team in that slot,” the Indian skipper said during a pre-match media conference
Now, Gill has revealed the conversation he had with the team management about his batting position prior to the first fixture.
“In India A matches, I batted a lot at No.3 and 4. They asked me where I wanted to bat in the series and I said I wanted to bat at No.3 and I think it’s a good position for me that is where I wanna consolidate. It is always an advantage to play against the new ball. I have that advantage while opening the batting. Batting at No.3 is not very different from opening the batting. You probably get a little more break in between innings,” the Fazilka-born said in a pre-game chat with broadcasters.
The right-handed batter also brushed aside suggestions that he was now a senior player in the Test side in a new-look top-order.
“Not really, I’m not a senior player. The roles are a bit different but not really a senior player yet,” Gill concluded.
Speaking of the match, after dismissing the hosts for a score of just 150, Rohit and his new opening partner Yashasvi had a promising start on the opening day. They put up an unbeaten partnership of 80 runs without losing any wickets. This solid start puts India in a favourable position, and they will be looking to build a significant lead and potentially bat West Indies out of the game.
