Shubman Gill responded emphatically to his critics during the second Test against England in Vishakhapatnam, scoring a vital century on Day 3. Despite initial challenges in his innings, Gill’s resilient play saw him accumulate 104 runs off 147 deliveries. Facing recent struggles in Test cricket, the Indian batter reportedly faced an ultimatum from the team management after a disappointing duck in the first Test’s second innings.
According to an Indian Express report, Gill was on the verge of playing Ranji Trophy to refine his technique if he failed to deliver in the second Test. The ultimatum became a motivating factor for Gill, who seized the opportunity and showcased his prowess with the bat in the Vizag match.
“I will go and play the Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat in Mohali,” Gill mentioned to a family member, reflecting his determination to address the challenges in his Test form.
The England bowlers, led by spinners Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed, managed to dismiss India for 255, setting a challenging target of 399 for England to win the second Test. Gill’s century proved crucial as India faced setbacks with the removal of openers by pace bowler James Anderson.
In the third session in Visakhapatnam, Hartley’s left-arm spin accounted for four wickets, while Ahmed played a crucial role in getting Ravichandran Ashwin out for 29, concluding the Indian innings. England now needed to chase a record 399 runs to win the Test. Gill’s century, his third in Test cricket and the first in 12 innings since March 2023, played a pivotal role in India’s recovery from a precarious position at 122-4.
Partnering with Axar Patel, Gill contributed to key stands, including an 89-run partnership. Reaching his hundred with a single off debutant spinner Shoaib Bashir, Gill acknowledged the cheering crowd on a memorable Sunday. His stellar performance not only silenced critics but also showcased his resilience and determination to overcome challenges in the demanding Test format.
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