Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar lauded Shubman Gill for his century under pressure on Day 3 of the second Test against England in Vizag. Despite excelling as one of the best white-ball batters in the past year, Gill faced challenges in the red-ball format.
Having not achieved a single half-century in 11 completed innings since his 128 against Australia last year, Gill’s position in the Test side was uncertain. However, the stylish batter overcame early challenges to secure his third Test century, elevating India to a commanding position.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo at the end of Day 3, Manjrekar expressed admiration for Gill’s capacity to not ease up after achieving a crucial half-century, turning it into a century, potentially rescuing his career [0:21].
“What’s impressive about Gill was the fact that once he got to his 50 he was thinking big. When you are out of form and actually looking at your place being in doubt for the next Test with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul likely to comeback that fear is always there.”
“And once you get a 50, there is a feeling ‘ I may play the next match, I’ve saved my career’ for the moment. And you might just relax a bit,” Manjrekar said.
Having recorded scores of 23, 0, and 34 in the initial three innings of the series, Shubman Gill’s spot in the team was uncertain for the upcoming match. However, his pivotal innings not only solidified India’s position but also set England a substantial target of 399 runs in their fourth innings.
“India needed somebody to get a big score and he did” – Sanjay Manjrekar views on Shubman Gill
Sanjay Manjrekar further lauded Shubman Gill, describing his century in the second innings as invaluable for India. Gill was the sole batsman in the team’s second innings to achieve a half-century, with Axar Patel’s 45 being the second-highest score.
“He went on and scored a very controlled 100 and that is why we have all been excited with Gill that once he got a 50 he made that count. India needed somebody to get a big score and he did.”
”England bowling was not going to be a challenge for Gill. Starting off has been a problem for him whether it was in South Africa or against the English spinners. And he needed a little bit of luck with that leg before,” said Manjrekar [0:01].
Gill navigated through a couple of close LBW decisions early in his innings against Tom Hartley and James Anderson before finding his rhythm. Despite his impressive performance, England remains in the competition, requiring another 332 runs with nine wickets in hand to secure a 2-0 series lead.
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