Joe Root-led England dominated team India in the third Test match of the series which took place at Headingley, Leeds. Notably, India batted terribly and they lost the battle by an inning and 76 runs. Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt ha opined that India’s, middle-order batting is a concern. He also believes that once Shubman Gill becomes fit he should get a chance to open for India in Tests.
Notably, India’s middle-order batting unit is having a bizarre run with the bat. The middle order of India has the likes of captian Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. All three players have received massive criticism from fans and experts for their inconsistency since the first WTC cycle.
Salman Butt conducted a question-and-answer session with his fans on his YouTube channel. In that session, he was asked whether Shubman Gill can be tried as a middle-order batter. To which Salman butt replied:
“Why would Shubman Gill come in as a middle-order batter? He has performed superbly as an opener in Australia as well in England during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Batted well on those testing conditions. He also has a good technique against the new ball,”.
Further former Pakistan captain stated that Shubman should be given the chance to open and KL Rahul should be pushed to the middle order. Salman Butt said:
“Gill should continue batting as an opener and, KL Rahul should come in as a middle-order batter due to his good showing as an opener. If he can play the first new ball well, then he can also play the second new ball nicely. He was anyways seen as a middle-order player. He went up to open because Agarwal was concussed.”
Indian players Average in this Test Series
46.00 – Rohit
42.00 – Rahul
32.40 – Pujara
26.60 – Jadeja
24.80 – Kohli
21.00 – Bumrah
19.00 – Rahane
18.75 – Shami
17.40 – Pant#INDvENG— ComeOn Cricket 🏏🇮🇳 (@ComeOnCricket) August 29, 2021
“KL Rahul is a multi-purpose player” – Salman Butt lavished praise on Indian batsman
Salman Butt labeled KL Rahul as a “multi-purpose player” as he can bat in any position and he can keep the wickets as well. He concluded by stating that Rahul should bat in the middle order and Shubman Gill should open in the innings. Salman Butt asserted:
“KL Rahul is a multi-purpose player owing to the ability to bat in anywhere, keep wickets. He can bat as an opener and in the middle-order. The good point is that he performs everywhere as he has four centuries outside India. So, I personally think Gill should open the innings and, Rahul should bat in the middle-order. KL Rahul is definitely a multi-purpose player and very valuable for the Indian team,” Butt said.
Now the 5-match Test series is leveled at 1-1. Joe Root’s men and Virat Kohli-led India will be heading to Kennington Oval for the 4th Test which will begin on 2nd September 2021.