Shubman Gill was left out of the playing XI for the ongoing Boxing Day Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne. He failed to capitalize on the opportunities in the ongoing five-match Test series Down Under.
The right-handed batter had missed the first Test in Perth due to a finger injury but returned for the second Test in Adelaide. Shubman Gill looked promising in the Day-Night Test, but he could only manage 31 and 28 during India’s 10-wicket loss to Australia at the Adelaide Oval.
Shubman Gill faces snub for the must-win MCG Test after poor batting show
In the Gabba Test, the Indian batter was dismissed for just 1 while chasing a wide delivery in the first innings, leading to his ouster from the Playing XI for the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
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For the ongoing Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, India decided to bring back captain Rohit Sharma as their opener, while KL Rahul, who had been their standout batter so far as an opener in the ongoing BGT 2024-25, was forced to move to No. 3, considering his ability to handle the new ball.
Bringing Rohit Sharma back into the opening slot and shifting KL Rahul to No. 3 meant that Shubman Gill had to lose his place to the Karnataka batter for the sake of the Indian captain, who was struggling for runs at number six, but things remained the same at the MCG, dismissing for just 3 runs.
Shubman Gill gives his all in nets during the Boxing Day Test
However, India could have slotted Gill at No. 6, but they opted to go with an all-rounder-loaded lineup to make the most of the Melbourne conditions against Australia. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill is making the most of his time in the nets while India is taking on the Kangaroos at the MCG.
During India’s post-tea session and lunch interval during the ongoing Boxing Day Test, Gill was seen facing Indian bowlers, including Harshit Rana, and Tanush Kotian, and a lot of sidearm deliveries at the nets. It’s hard not to wonder why he was dropped for the fourth Test, given the way he’s putting in the hard work, showing determination and focus at the nets.
Not surprised to see Shubman Gill in the nets during the Lunch interval. He is facing Harshit Rana, Tanush Kotian and lot of side-arm. He should have been in the Playing XI at MCG pic.twitter.com/pbCvXdxd3J
— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) December 27, 2024
Gill is having net session now when India is batting in the post tea session. pic.twitter.com/1tZFE5snQ8
— Vimal कुमार (@Vimalwa) December 27, 2024
Abhishek Nayar explains Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the MCG Test
Earlier, India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar opened up about the team’s decision-making over leaving out the Punjab lad for the MCG encounter. He stressed that it was unfortunate for Shubman Gill that he had to sit out due to the team combination and requirements, but emphasized that it wasn’t like he was dropped from the team.
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Abhishek Nayar told the media in Melbourne: “Well, I think a lot of the decisions, when they are made, and the process of it being made, the communication is always there, and transparency is there. Rohit will come up in the order, and more likely than not, he will open the innings for us.
“So, I think that was the thought process and, unfortunately for Gill, just how things panned out. He had to miss out, and sometimes I just feel for a young player in a position like that, a big day; he wants to make his mark; he understands it is a team’s requirement, and it is unfortunate. I wouldn’t say that he has been dropped per se; it is just unfortunate that he couldn’t find his place in his team.”
