Former Indian fast bowler RP Singh showered praise on Shubman Gill after the Indian skipper scored a gutsy knock on the fourth day of the penultimate Test match of the series. Gill remained unbeaten on 78 at the close of play after India was put under pressure by England bowlers.
The Indian captain added 174 runs with KL Rahul for the third wicket after the visitors lost two early wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan. Gill looked a bit tentative at the start of his innings but he was able to settle at the crease after some time.
The right-hander was dropped when he was 46 by Liam Dawson. On the final day’s play, Gill completed his fourth century of the series but was dismissed by Jofra Archer before the lunch break.
RP Singh said on Sony Sports, “He batted like a leader. He dominated a little at the start. He was playing shots when he came to bat. Everyone has slightly different playing methods. When he came in, he started playing big shots immediately.”
Before the final day’s play, Gill has amassed 697 runs in the series and he continued his rich form on Saturday.
“Shubman Gill has scored the most runs in this series. KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Jamie Smith and Joe Root are also there, but it’s a massive difference. 200 runs is a huge number. It shows how consistent he has been. He has scored runs whenever required, and today’s (Saturday) knock is very crucial because you are still alive in this series,” Singh observed.
Singh pointed out that Gill could surpass Greg Chappell’s record and will have an opportunity to break other’s tally as well.
“He is currently ninth in the list of captains with the most runs in a series. Greg Chappell is above him, with 702 runs, and he might be crossed tomorrow. If he scores around 50 more runs, he will reach No. 2,” he noted.
On the other hand, former Indian batter Hemang Badani reckons Gill could go past Sir Don Bradman’s record of most runs in a series – 994.
“He will reach 750 for sure. He can cross the 810 number as well, and see whose name is there. Don Bradman’s name is there. If you are crossing his numbers or you have a chance to reach that number, it means you have batted exceptionally well in this series. 800 runs in a series is a lot,” he said.
“Considering the confidence he is showing in his batting, he will break that record. Today’s innings was his best innings. The circumstances were very difficult today. To bat like that as a captain under such circumstances is praiseworthy. A Test batter should know how to play according to the circumstances. Shubman Gill ticked all the boxes,” he elaborated.
India were 223-4 after 89 overs at lunch on day five, trailing by 88 runs.
