Indian batsman Shubman Gill has described his resilient 90-run innings against New Zealand on Day 2 of the third Test in Mumbai as one of the finest of his career. The right-handed batsman noted that reflecting on his preparations from the earlier series against England this year contributed to his success.
Gill led the scoring with 90 on Day 2, navigating a pitch that favored spin bowlers. Despite the hosts facing pressure after losing four wickets for just 86 runs while chasing a deficit of 149, the 25-year-old effectively used his footwork to counter the spin.
In a post-match press conference, Gill noted that he had excelled against spin during the England series and was pleased to replicate that performance in Mumbai. He stated, as reported by PTI:
“Yes, definitely it’s one of my better knocks that I’ve played in Test cricket. In the lead up to this Test, it was all about me working on the areas that I’ve worked before the England series that we played.”
“In that (England) series, I was batting at my best against spinners and just to be able to go back into that mindset and what my positions were while playing spinners, that is what I was trying to replicate before this match in practice.”
The young player elaborated that he focused on enjoying the game rather than feeling the pressure from the scoreboard. He mentioned:
“I was not trying to put too much pressure on myself (by) thinking I have to score these many runs. I was trying to have fun in the middle and enjoy that moment, even if it was difficult.”
”Because you don’t get to play that many Test matches. I just feel when I’m batting there, if I would put too much pressure on myself, then I’m losing out on the fun of the art of batting.”
The Punjab-born cricketer formed a quick 96-run partnership with Rishabh Pant, with both players aiming to apply pressure on the opposition. Gill’s innings concluded when he edged a delivery from Ajaz Patel to first slip.
“It’s all about one solid partnership”- Shubman Gill on India’s pursuit in the fourth innings
With India aiming to chase down a target over 140 on a challenging pitch, Gill believes that a partnership of 70 to 80 runs would significantly increase the pressure on the opposition, stating:
“It’s all about one good partnership. When you are chasing a total which is around 150-160, if you have one good partnership of 70-80 runs, the match is done and dusted.”
”That is what the conversation will be among the batters, to have one good partnership. For the fielding team, once there is a 70-80 run partnership when you are chasing 150, the body language of the opposition also drops.”
A victory for India would serve as a significant confidence boost before the upcoming tour of Australia starting on November 22.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
