In a notable decision, Shubman Gill, who has primarily excelled as an opener in all formats of the game, opted to bat at number three in the Indian Test team. The 23-year-old made the recommendation to India’s head coach Rahul Dravid prior to the first Test against the West Indies. Vikram Rathour, the Indian batting coach, expressed his support for Gill’s decision to bat at number three.

Vikram Rathour explained that with three openers in the team, one had to move to the number three position, and Gill himself volunteered for the role. Gill stated that he has been accustomed to batting at number three or four throughout his career for Punjab and India A, and that is his natural position in the longest format of the game.

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“Three openers were supposed to play, so one had to go at No. 3 and the proposal came from Shubman’s end as his rationale was that he had played all his cricket for Punjab and India A at either No. 3 or 4, and that’s his real slot in the longer format,” Vikram Rathour explained during a press conference, as quoted by India Today.

Vikram Rathour further emphasized that judging Gill’s batting based on a single innings would be unfair. The batting coach also highlighted Gill’s technique and temperament, mentioning his ability to play patiently when required and adopt an aggressive approach when needed.

During the first Test against the West Indies, Gill faced some struggles with the bat, while Yashasvi Jaiswal (173), Rohit Sharma (103), and Virat Kohli (76) emerged as India’s leading run-scorers. India scored a massive 421-5 in their first innings and convincingly defeated the West Indies by an innings and 141 runs at Windsor Park in Dominica.

“We can’t judge him based on one innings. He has a lot of time. He has the technique and temperament to play patiently if required and can also play an attacking game when needed to accelerate the innings. That’s what we need at number three, as it can provide an advantage,” Vikram Rathour added.

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Shubman Gill’s decision to bat at number three reflects his confidence and desire to contribute to the team’s success in the longer format of the game. The Indian coaching staff is supportive of this move and believes in his abilities to perform well in his preferred batting position.