Shubman Gill flourished under pressure, proving his doubters wrong with a brilliant century, in the second innings of the second Test match, on Sunday, February 4. The 24-year-old saved India on Day 3 of the 2nd Test against England in Visakhapatnam, scoring a century that boosted his confidence and helped him block out the outside chatter questioning his status in the team.
Shubman Gill scored a century in 132 balls to help India push ahead on Day 3, with India taking the lead of 300 and more in the second session. Shubman Gill exhibited outstanding agility against England's inexperienced spin attack, striking two sixes and eleven boundaries on his way to a century. Even while the Indian dressing room was on its feet, Gill managed a quiet celebration, praising the young man's work and amazing character under pressure.
Shubman Gill, on the other hand, showed remarkable guts and drive by surviving two tight LBW rulings and recovering from a shaky start to score his second Test century at home.
Shubman Gill struggling in the No.3 position
Shubman Gill's promotion to the No. 3 place, which he desired when Yashasvi Jaiswal became Rohit Sharma's opening partner, was not easy, as the youngster struggled to transfer from the opening position to the critical spot in the top order. Gill had gone 12 innings without scoring a fifty at No. 3, and when he outside-edged James Anderson, pushing at a delivery beyond the off-stump in the first innings of the Vizag Test, it appeared like his Test career was over.
Shubman Gill's century in the second innings in Visakhapatnam was the first three-figure score by a hitter at No. 3 for India at home since 2017. Cheteshwar Pujara struck India's final hundred at No. 3 at home against Sri Lanka in Nagpur in November 2017.
Shubman Gill entered the fray as early as the second over of the day's play when India were in trouble after losing Rohit Sharma to James Anderson. Soon after, India's first innings double century, Yashasvi Jaiswal, was bowled for 17 by James Anderson, who was seeking to rip through the top order.
Gill's lack of confidence was clear when the batsman survived two LBW rulings, one to Tom Hartley and the other to James Anderson, in his first 20 deliveries. However, as he spent more time in the centre, Gill's confidence improved, and he began to play free-flowing strokes. Throughout his 81-run combination with Shreyas Iyer, Gill was content to bang it around and collect easy singles.
Here are Twitter reactions of fans after Shubman Gill scores his century:
This inning is special Without any doubt.. Shubman Gill played extraordinary cricket today.
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) February 4, 2024
Much needed hundred for Shubman Gill. He is on 🔥
— Crease Craze (@CrazeCrease) February 4, 2024
Brilliant century by shubman Gill, this will definitely boost his confidence. Much needed for him 🔥🔥
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) February 4, 2024
Well deserved and needed for him and India
— Statistics of Cricket (@onlycricstats) February 4, 2024
First century for no-3 batter for India in home after 2017.
Great come back Prince 🇮🇳
— Pawan Kumar 🇮🇳 (@Prince11R) February 4, 2024