“Don’t forget, Pujara is waiting” – Ravi Shastri warns Shubman Gill as he again fails after promising start in 2nd IND vs ENG Test.

Over the past year, Shubman Gill’s cricketing journey has undergone a significant transformation. Initially lauded as the ‘Prince’ following a series of exceptional performances, Gill is currently contending with a downturn in form, evident from his recent struggles on the cricket field. Despite displaying good timing and shot execution, his 34-run innings against England in the 2nd Test hinted at an underlying issue affecting his batting performance.

Following his recovery from dengue during the World Cup, Gill has not been able to replicate his previous form at the crease. A notable decline in high scores coupled with an increase in low ones underscore the challenges he is facing in batting consistently. The decision by the team management to move him to the number three position, replacing the resilient Cheteshwar Pujara, appears to be a work in progress.

Former coach Ravi Shastri, while not directly naming anyone, recently offered a timely reminder to the young players vying for spots in India’s playing XI. Although his remarks were not explicitly aimed at Gill, Shastri’s mention of Pujara waiting in the wings serves as a call to action for the struggling batsman. Shastri emphasized the importance for young players to prove themselves, especially with Pujara showcasing remarkable form in domestic cricket, consistently scoring runs for Saurashtra.

Shastri during commentary said “It’s a fresh side, a young side. These youngsters have to prove themselves. Don’t forget, Pujara is waiting. He is grinding it out at the Ranji Trophy and is always in the radar.” 

Despite the management’s focus on nurturing young talent, Shastri highlighted the invaluable experience Pujara brings to the team, particularly in home conditions.

“It’s a Test match; you’ve got to stay out there. Otherwise, you’ll get into all sorts of problems. You’re going with those hard hands, reaching out at the ball. Especially with someone of Anderson’s class,” added the former coach

Gill’s recent performances at number three position highlight the challenges he is encountering, prompting Shastri to stress the significance of patience and adaptability in the demanding realm of Test cricket.