Shubman Gill prepares for Test series against Bangladesh, expects ‘an interesting and intriguing contest’

Shubman Gill prepares for Test series against Bangladesh

Shubman Gill, one of India's top-order batsmen, believes the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh will be both captivating and engaging. The first Test between India and Bangladesh is set to take place in Chennai on September 19, with the second Test commencing in Kanpur on September 27.

In addition to Shubman Gill, left-arm bowler Yash Dayal has received his first call-up. This series will also see the return of Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli to the Test team.

"I don't think you can underestimate any international side. The kind of cricket Bangladesh has played in the last couple of months, especially in Pakistan, has been impressive. Their fast bowlers and the way their middle-order batters have absorbed pressure shouldn't be disregarded. So, I believe it will be an interesting and intriguing contest," Gill told JioCinema, as reported by IANS.

In his 25 Test matches so far, Gill has amassed 1,492 runs at an average of 35.52, with the past year seeing him transition to the number three position. Asked about the challenges of batting at number three in Tests, Gill said, "Quite often, when you're playing in a different position, everyone knows your potential, but you still have to prove yourself."

"In the initial matches when I played as number three, I couldn't perform well—against West Indies and South Africa. I was getting good starts, scoring 20s and 30s, but I wasn't able to convert them. When I returned, I knew I had to turn these performances around. Moving forward, my goal is to convert my fifties into big hundreds," he added.

Against England in this year’s 4-1 Test series victory, Gill, batting at number three, scored 452 runs in nine innings at an average of 56.50. "That was a significant confidence boost for me, especially after losing the first Test match. With quite a few players unavailable, there was pressure on us to win the series.

"I had never played five Test matches before, so it was a valuable experience and exciting to feel that intensity. Even after getting breaks following two Test matches, we never dropped that intensity," Gill reflected on his learnings from the England series win.