Indian batter Shubman Gill has called on the team to show grit and determination in preparation for their second Test at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. With South Africa leading the two-match Test series 1-0 after a convincing victory in the initial match in Centurion, India aim to level the series following a dismal performance.
After a disappointing display in Centurion, where South Africa defeated India by an innings and 32 runs, India seek to bounce back and overcome the challenge of securing their first bilateral Test series win in South Africa, a feat yet to be accomplished in their Test cricket history.
Addressing the upcoming match, Gill emphasised the significance of demonstrating grit and determination, particularly in batting, when playing in South Africa. In the first Test in Centurion, Gill managed to score 28 runs across two innings.
"We got a few days to prepare for this Test. This is a New Year and new Test which will allow us to come back in the series. It's very important to be there mentally. You just have to let your grit, your determination take over. It's not much about skills while playing here. It's about taking the grit and the determination you show while batting," said Gill.
He went on to say that it presents a significant opportunity for India to even the Test series, highlighting the team's thorough preparation. India have the chance to secure a win in Cape Town, avoiding a Test series defeat against South Africa for only the second time.
"This is a great opportunity for us to level the series. All of us are very well prepared and really looking forward to levelling the series. It's lovely to be here. This is my first trip to South Africa and it is a great sight here in Cape Town. With mountains on one side, it is really a pleasing sight," the 24-year-old added.
India's starting XI for 2nd Test
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
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