He has opened in Test and limited overs but the number 3 was his preference” – Rohit Sharma opens up on Shubman Gill’s not able to perform at No.3 In Test.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has disclosed that Shubman Gill expressed a preference for batting at No. 3 in Tests, endorsing the young player ahead of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Despite his notable performances in white-ball cricket, Gill has faced challenges in the red-ball format, holding an overall average of 31.06 in 19 games, a struggle exacerbated since his shift to No. 3 during the West Indies tour.

Speaking at the press conference, Rohit expressed confidence in Gill’s cricketing acumen, anticipating a return to form in the longer format.

Rohit Sharma said “Gill is smart and understands his batting pretty well,” Rohit said. “He prefers that number. He has batted in the Ranji Trophy at that number around that position. He has opened in Test and limited overs game but the number 3 was his preference. He feels he can do well for us batting at that position. It is an individual things about how you think about certain positions.”

“There is not much difference (on opening to batting at number 3),” he added. “It takes just 1 ball for a number 3 to go in. And sometimes when an opener gets injured, a number 3 has to walk out and open the innings. I don’t see much difference there.”

Gill’s move down the order was prompted by the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal as the opening partner for Rohit Sharma, with Gill managing scores of only 2 and 26 in the opening Test against South Africa at Cape Town.