IND vs AUS: Shubman Gill moves to Nets after Struggling for a Spot in India’s Boxing Day Test XI

Shubman Gill was unavailable for the first Test in Perth due to a finger injury but returned to play in the second Test in Adelaide. He looked promising in the Day-Night Test but couldn’t make a significant impact, scoring 31 and 28 runs. India lost the match by 10 wickets at the Adelaide Oval.

In India’s post-tea and lunch breaks during the ongoing Boxing Day Test, Gill was seen practicing hard at the nets, facing bowlers like Harshit Rana and Tanush Kotian, along with many sidearm deliveries. It’s difficult to understand why he was left out of the fourth Test given his effort and focus.

Not surprised to see Shubman Gill in the nets during the Lunch interval. He is facing Harshit Rana, Tanush Kotian and lot of side-arm. He should have been in the Playing XI at MCG pic.twitter.com/pbCvXdxd3J

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) December 27, 2024

India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar explained the decision to leave out Shubman Gill for the MCG match. He said it was unfortunate for Gill due to team combination and requirements but clarified that it wasn’t a case of him being dropped from the team. He said:

So, I think that was the thought process and, unfortunately for Gill, just how things panned out. He had to miss out, and sometimes I just feel for a young player in a position like that, a big day; he wants to make his mark; he understands it is a team’s requirement, and it is unfortunate. I wouldn’t say that he has been dropped per se; it is just unfortunate that he couldn’t find his place in his team.

India could have included Gill at No.6, but they chose an all-rounder-heavy lineup to take advantage of the Melbourne conditions against Australia. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill is making the most of his time in the nets while India faces the Australian team at the MCG.