‘Unreal favouritism by Rahul Dravid’: Pressure mounts as Shubman Gill falls for 7 in 1st ODI vs West Indies

Since the end of the 2023 Indian Premier League, Shubman Gill has struggled to score in away matches.

In the first ODI between India and the West Indies, Shubman Gill did not make an impression. Fans are now questioning if the Indian top order batter deserves a place on the Indian team over Ruturaj Gaikwad after he failed to make a big score after the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023.

He opened the innings with Ishan Kishan on Thursday and scored seven off 16 balls. In order for the other batters to get some time in the middle, captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had decided to let go of their usual top order positions as India chased a meagre target of 115. Kishan scored 52 off 46 balls, while Gill hardly ever looked comfortable and was caught off Jayden Seales at slips.

Gill has experienced a period of low scoring since the end of the 2023 IPL, making a difficult start to limited overs matches in India’s first ODI against West Indies. This was followed by scores of 13 and 18 against Australia in the WTC final and six runs in his sole innings on India’s current tour with West Indies. His fortunate increase arrived in the second Test, totalling 10 and an unbeaten 29. These results are a far cry from his international performances prior to the IPL, in which he received much appreciation.

The dismissal of Gaikwad in the first ODI has caused many to say that he deserves a chance. Some also accused head coach Rahul Dravid of showing “favouritism” by picking Gill ahead of Gaikwad, while others criticized former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad for his silence on Gill rather than when he slammed KL Rahul repeatedly.

A dip in Gill’s form

Gill’s current situation is almost in contrast to his form before the WTC Final. Before that, he scored a century in the third Test against Australia in Ahmedabad. In addition to scoring ODI and T20I centuries this year, he won the Orange Cap in the IPL after accumulating 890 runs in 17 matches at 157.80, including three centuries.

A straightforward five-wicket win over West Indies kicked off the series for India. The hosts were blown away in 23 overs before Rohit walked in at No.7 to take the team home.

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Not Surprised By Shubman Gill Taking No.3 Batting Slot: Wasim Jaffer

On Jio Cinema, former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer revealed possible reasons why Shubman Gill chose to bat at no.3 in the IND vs WI Test series. Jaffer reported Gill played at no.3 or no.4 in the Under-19 World Cup.

The Ranji Trophy legend said, “He’s a good player. He can play anywhere from No. 1 to No. 5. Shubman Gill has a game like that. He would have thought about it beforehand. The Ranji Trophy legend said he played at No. 3 or No. 4 in the Under-19 World Cup. However, he has always opened up.

Watch Virat Kohli imitate Shubman Gill’s celebration after hitting 76th century in IND vs WI

Also, Wasim Jaffer is not surprised by Gill’s decision to take the No. 3 spot in the series. Jaffer believes that openers like to bat a little lower after fielding 150 overs in Test matches. Additionally, he believes Gill’s decision could be influenced by his understanding of the pitch.

He chose No. 3. I am not surprised by his decision. No. 3 gives you a little cushion. You get to see the bowling and pitch. Perhaps that’s one reason, Jaffer said. When openers fielded 150 overs and had to face the new ball within 10 minutes, it was a problem.

During the India-Australia Test series in February-March, Shubman Gill was selected to open the innings. Following the failure of KL Rahul to score runs in the first two games against Australia, Shubman Gill opened the innings in the next two games. In one game, he also shattered a ton.

With his blistering batting show in the IND vs WI Test series, Yashasvi Jaiswal won the Player of the Match award in the 1st Test.

With 266 runs, Jaiswal finished as the highest run-getter for IND vs WI Test series with 57 and 38 in both innings.