Shubman Gill candidly admitted that Virat Kohli's absence is affecting Team India in the ongoing Test series against England. Shubman Gill's statement came in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, February 21 ahead of the fourth Test which is slated to be played from February 23 in Ranchi.
Gill affected by Kohli's absence
“Virat Kohli’s absence affects every team but players who have got opportunity in his absence have done really well,” Gill said in the pre-match press conference.
Kohli blessed with a baby boy
India's batting juggernaut Virat Kohli has pulled out of the ongoing Test series against England, having recently welcomed his second child in London. In Kohli's absence, Gill has noted the impact on every team member but also pointed out the opportunities it creates for others.
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Kohli initially withdrew from the first two Tests for personal reasons, and the BCCI later announced he would miss the entire series. This opened the door for several players to prove themselves in the middle order, particularly with injuries sidelining KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, leading to three players making their debut. Gill highlighted the team-wide effect of Kohli's absence, with Kohli currently in London on a family break. Nonetheless, this situation has a positive aspect, offering fresh chances to other players. Rajat Patidar seized his opportunity in the Vizag Test, while Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel made their debut in the Rajkot Test.
Meanwhile India suffered a big blow right ahead of the fourth Test versus England as their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been rested from the upcoming match. Bumrah has picked 17 wickets in a span of three Tests of the ongoing series against England. He also played an instrumental role in India's stunning win over England as he dazzled with a nine-wicket haul.
Bumrah has been leader of our attack: Gill
Shubman also commented on Jasprit Bumrah and said that he has been the leader of India's pace attack. However, he didn't forget to lavish praise on Mohammed Siraj.
“Bumrah has been leader of our attack but the way Mohammed Siraj picked those four wickets was very heartening. Our fast bowling has been really good and the difference,” Gill added.
Moreover, Gill talked about his batting position. He said, “I have played at no.3 for India A and in Ranji in the past. Wasn’t something new. I didn’t make any technical changes… as an opener you set the tone and don’t get time to think but in middle-order it’s more about playing as per situation.”
Gill missed out on a century in India's emphatic win in the fourth Test against England. He scored a brilliant 91 off 151 balls riding on nine fours and two sixes before Ben Stokes ran him out. Gill notched the scores of 23 and 0 in the first Test and followed it up with 34 and 104 in the second one.
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