Shubman Gill’s Make-or-Break Test Ultimatum in Vizag

In recent months, Gill’s performance in Tests has been disappointing, evident from his meager tally of 153 runs in 9 innings. Shubman Gill injected much-needed vitality into his India career by crafting a delightful century against England on Day 3 of the 2nd Test at Visakhapatnam. Batting at No. 3, Gill ended an 11-month drought with his impressive knock of 104, playing a pivotal role in India’s second innings total of 255. However, were you aware that the Vizag Test was Gill’s final opportunity to prove himself? Another failure would have resulted in his removal from the squad. As reported by The Indian Express, Gill had to either deliver a remarkable performance or face the consequences. His last century in Tests dates back to March 2023 when he scored an impressive 128 against Australia in Ahmedabad. If Gill would have failed to deliver in Vizag, he would have faced the possibility of being released from the squad and participating in Punjab’s Ranji Trophy game against Gujarat, commencing on February 9.

“I will go and play the Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat in Mohali,” The Indian Express reported Gill as saying to one of his family members. With India struggling at 30/2, Gill stepped onto the field with determination in his eyes and formed a remarkable 81-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer. However, as Iyer and later Rajat Patidar departed, India found themselves in a precarious position at 130/4. Nevertheless, Gill once again displayed his skill by forging another invaluable partnership of 89 runs with Axar Patel, pushing India’s lead beyond 300. The threat of being bowled out quickly loomed, but Ravichandran Ashwin’s resilient 29 runs elevated India’s lead to just two short of 400.

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