Shubman Gill, who made his debut as an opener in Melbourne in 2020, has opened for India in 17 Tests before moving to the No. 3 spot in 2023. The change came when India allowed Gill to bat lower down the order by removing Cheteshwar Pujara and allowed Yashasvi Jaiswal to open with Rohit Sharma.
With Rohit likely to opt out of the first Test due to personal reasons, Kumble suggested that Yashasvi and KL Rahul should open, while Gill should be placed at No. 3. Gill's notable performances include a crucial 91 as an opener in India's memorable win in Brisbane in 2021.
Speaking to GeoCinema, Kumble said, “You know he (Shubhman) is exceptionally talented, skilled and he has done this. He has been to Australia before as well. As you mentioned, in Brisbane, he Scored a brilliant half-century there and he knows the conditions.”
“I don't want to change it. I know there is a temptation to move Shubman Gill because Rohit is not available in the first Test. But, with KL Rahul always there, the name is synonymous with change and adapting to the wishes of the team. Whether you want to open the batting or keep wickets, Rahul Dravid did it, now KL Rahul is doing it.”
Kumble emphasized that Gill's batting style at No. 3 is different from the traditional methods of Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara. He believes that Gill's versatility will be the key to India's success in the series.
“You said, for the last 25 years, there are only two players who have been playing consistently and it is a tough role. I mean, both those batsmen, Rahul and Cheteshwar contributed a lot during that period, and you know that. You have to balance it. You can maybe bat the second ball of the Test match, or you can bat much later when the conditions are easier,” Kumble said.
“But often what happens is that you go there to control the first session and see the new ball because we know that after the first 25 hours the best time to bat on the Kookaburra ball is from the 30th over to the 60th over,” he said. And that's what these two batsmen did throughout their careers, ensuring that the number four, number five and number six batsmen came into the lineup much later so that they could bat comfortably. And can score runs.” “So Shubman will have to play this role in a very special way in Australia. He may have to make slight changes depending on the circumstances. He also has the ability to do that,” he said while speaking to GeoCinema. This five-Test series, starting in Perth on November 22, is the first time in more than 30 years that India and Australia will compete in such a comprehensive series. (ANI)
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