In a remarkable turnaround that silenced critics, Shubman Gill's stellar performance in the Ranchi Test has drawn widespread acclaim, particularly from former England captain Kevin Pietersen. Gill's resilience played a pivotal role in clinching a series victory for India against England, showcasing his mettle under pressure.
During the intense fourth Test, the dynamic duo of Dhruv Jurel and Shubman Gill stitched together a game-changing 72-run partnership on Day 4, steering India to a triumphant 5-wicket win. This crucial stand not only salvaged India from a precarious position but also dealt the first blow to England in the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era, marking a historic series defeat for the visitors.
Kevin Pietersen, once a vocal critic of Gill for his conservative approach, took to social media to celebrate the young batter's resurgence. Pietersen likened Gill's comeback to that of cricket icon Virat Kohli, highlighting the youngster's ability to bounce back stronger in the face of adversity.
"They doubted Shubman like they doubted Virat when he was struggling! DO NOT!!!!!!!!!!" Pietersen tweeted.
Shubman Gill recovers his lost mojo
Gill, who had been under the microscope for his recent form in the longest format, faced scrutiny and skepticism from fans and cricket luminaries alike. Critics questioned his place in the series against England, especially after a series of subdued performances. However,
Gill responded with an emphatic century in the second innings of the Vizag Test, igniting a series of impactful knocks that would redefine his role in the team. His 91-run innings in the Rajkot Test further cemented his comeback, proving his detractors wrong.
Ranchi Test - a testament to Gill's caliber
The Ranchi Test witnessed a critical moment when India, after losing five crucial wickets for just 36 runs, found heroes in Jurel and Gill. Their partnership emerged in the wake of the dismissals of openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, with the duo demonstrating exceptional skill and temperament to navigate through the challenging conditions.
With India now holding a commanding 3-1 lead in the five-match series, the focus shifts to Dharamshala for the fifth and final Test starting March 7.
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