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Shubman Gill was handed an ultimatum by India's head coach Rahul Dravid and the coaching staff before the second Test against England in Vishakhapatnam, prompting him to contemplate about playing Ranji Trophy 2024. However, with his superlative century (104) in the second Test against England in Vizag, Shubman Gill has not only eased his concerns but also allayed the fears of the Indian Cricket Team, at least for the time being.
Gill had been prepared to return to domestic cricket and participate in the Punjab versus Gujarat Ranji Trophy match in Mohali during the gap between the second and third Tests against England. This decision stemmed from the ‘ultimatum’ given to him by Rahul Dravid and the coaching staff. But cometh the hour, cometh the man, India's star batter successfully passed the ‘do or die’ test with his brilliant century in the second innings of the India versus England's second Test in Vizag.
Shubman Gill clears ‘Do or Die’ test
According to a report by the Indian Express, the 24-year-old was issued an ultimatum by the India team management after his dismissal for a two-ball duck in Hyderabad. As per reports, Gill was informed that the second Test between India and England would be his final opportunity to prove himself. With the squad announcement for the remaining three India versus England's Tests impending, this was his last shot. In response to this challenge, Gill decided to do something about it. Gill decided to play Ranji Trophy to overcome his shortcomings. He apparently told his family, "I will go and play the Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat in Mohali."
Shubman Gill Silences Critics
With Cheteshwar Pujara's position at no. 3 now occupied by Gill, the pressure to perform had intensified. Unfortunately, Gill's recent performances had been dismal. Since his last Test century, Gill had managed just 173 runs in 11 innings, averaging a mere 17.30, with his highest score being a mere 36. Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara was running riot with his bat in domestic cricket and even scored a double century.
Gill's start in the second Test between India and England was also unimpressive as he was dismissed for 34 runs in the first innings. However, when the pressure was at its peak, Shubman Gill rose to the occasion. He adopted an aggressive approach to take on England's bowling attack, producing a remarkable innings of 104 runs from 147 balls. This innings included 11 fours and 2 sixes, with an impressive display against wrist-spinner Rehan Ahmed, where he scored six, four, and four.
Although his dismissal while attempting a reverse sweep was a disappointment, Gill managed to retain his place in the team, at least for the time being. However, it was not a flawless innings. He survived two nervy moments, with an umpire's call saving him when he was on 4, and a successful DRS review against Tom Hartley securing his survival. Despite these early challenges, Gill maintained a brisk scoring rate, ultimately contributing to India's total of 255 in the second innings. Thanks to Gill's impressive century, India handed England a stiff target of 499 run to chase.
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