Cricket

Aus vs Ind 2020: Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border pick Shubman Gill over Prithvi Shaw for opening slot

 

The Border-Gavaskar trophy between Australia and India is all set to begin in a couple of days and the legends on whom the trophy is named, Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar, have picked Shubman Gill as India’s opener ahead of Prithvi Shaw. Mayank Agarwal is going to be India’s first choice opener but there are doubts over the team’s second opener.

Players like Shubman GIll, Prithvi Shaw and KL Rahul are expected to fight for the opening slot. Shaw had got off to start in the second warm-up match against Australia A whereas Gill also looked good when he played a fine knock of 65 runs while batting at number three in the same match at the SCG.

Shaw had opened the innings on the previous tour of New Zealand but had failed to score consistent runs. The right-hander had made a solitary half-century but the rest of the Indian batsmen had also struggled on that tour. However, Gill has batted at the top of his game in the first-class form.

The Punjab batsman has scored 2270 runs in 23 first-class matches at an impressive average of 68.78 and deserves his chance to make his Test debut. On the other hand, Shaw has been troubled by short deliveries and he can struggle with his footwork to combat the Australian bowlers. However, Shaw also has an impressive first-class average of 58.8.

“Sunny, I have been in Sydney for the last couple of days watching your boys run around against Australia ‘A’. I was impressed with Gill. I really think he’s got something about him and his technique,” said Allan Border while referring to Sunil Gavaskar in a joint press conference. 

“I know he is young so he can play a few rash shots here and there but he looks a seriously good player. He will be my pick out of the guys I saw,” Border added.

On the other hand, Gavaskar stated that Shubman Gill’s technique is better than Prithvi Shaw. The Indian legend added that Shaw plays too many shots and he will prefer Gill opening the innings for India in the upcoming Test series.

“I think he’s got to spend a little more time assessing his batting because, as an opening batsman, you’ve got to give yourself time to see what the pitch is doing and what the bowlers are doing. Trying to bat the way he is at the moment, it is not going to make him a consistent player,” observed Gavaskar.

It would be interesting to note India’s opening alliance for the first Test match. Furthermore, Sunil Gavaskar picked Rishabh Pant to play ahead of Wriddhiman Saha. The first Test match will take place at Adelaide Oval from December 17.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Shubman Gill says India would be disappointed if they don’t play the WTC final

Indian captain Shubman Gill said they would be disappointed if they don’t qualify for the… Read More

October 2, 2025

IND vs WI 2025: Jasprit Bumrah becomes joint fastest Indian pacer to 50 wickets at home

India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has become the joint fastest Indian pacer to take… Read More

October 2, 2025

Ravindra Jadeja says he would be happy to contribute as a vice-captain in IND vs WI Tests

India’s veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja revealed he was not told by the team management regarding… Read More

October 2, 2025

Next 2-3 Years, you will play for India: Abhishek Sharma recalls conversation with mentor Yuvraj Singh

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma recalled how mentor Yuvraj Singh lifted his morale when he was… Read More

October 2, 2025

‘Spoke to Tendulkar and Steve Smith before England series’: Shubman Gill reveals advice from them

Indian captain Shubman Gill revealed he spoke to Sachin Tendulkar and Steve Smith before the… Read More

October 2, 2025

Abhishek Sharma reveals how Suryakumar Yadav backed him in T20I team after Asia Cup success

India’s opener Abhishek Sharma revealed captain Suryakumar Yadav backed him to the hilt when he… Read More

October 2, 2025