There is no denying the fact there aren’t a lot of opportunities for youngsters in Indian cricket, given the surreal amounts of talent waiting in the wings and a host of stalwarts locked into their position. The young opener, Shubman Gill got lucky to be fielded in the first Test against Bangladesh but squandered his chance to justify the selection.
After nearly a six-month break, India is playing Test cricket in the two-match series. KL Rahul walked out for the toss at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Wednesday, in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, and decided to bat first after winning the coin flip. The decision seemed like an obvious one, given just a hint of grass on a hard surface that looked like it would not give assistance to either seam or spin bowlers.
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KL Rahul opened the innings alongside Shubman Gill, with the youngster afforded a rare opportunity after some discussions ahead of the game of Abhimanyu Easwaran making his debut instead of the 23-year-old from Punjab. Gill, with a tally of 599 runs in 22 innings at an average of 29.95, has struggled for consistency in the format on the international stage but has shown glimpses of promise in the past, with four half-centuries to his name including a crucial 91 at the historic win in Gabba.
Thus, with the chance to prove his mettle in the lineup at least for the tour, Shubman Gill started out comfortably and cruised along to 20. However, facing left-arm spinner Taijul Islam in the 14th over, Gill threw away the opportunity with an ill-timed shot.
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The first ball of the over was pitched full around leg-stump and Gill, seemingly anticipating such a delivery, was in a position to play the paddle sweep as soon as the ball left the bowler’s hand. However, Gill failed to get to the pitch of the ball as it bounced toward the batter and ended up getting the top edge. The ball looped up despairingly and was comfortably caught by Yasir Ali at leg slip.
Here is the video of the dismissal of Shubman Gill:
https://twitter.com/MAHARAJ96620593/status/1602886725587828742?t=Az6xeJy8piWfL3jEoDfnAw&s=19
Here is how the netizens reacted:
Shubman Gill has missed a fantastic opportunity to make big runs on a flat pitch. Like Rahul, he’s so far had a very underwhelming record. Too many starts wasted, barring that 91 at Gabba.
— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) December 14, 2022
What a horrendous shot to get out on such a flat and slow pitch!
Must be cursing himself for throwing this golden opportunity to score big.
Shubman Gill yet to yield something substantial post the famous Gabba. #BANvIND#CricketTwitter
— Mindful Punter 🏏 (@PunterLost) December 14, 2022
https://twitter.com/Prakash1049/status/1602884303964504065?t=vy7na6stP72JFLT-mdL0gw&s=19
https://twitter.com/sanchitd43/status/1602884623658123264?t=hAo3tZ-FHWBr-vWfgOSU0Q&s=19
I think if I had to pick my least favourite batting partnership in the history of Indian cricket, it would be KL Rahul and Shubman Gill.#BANvIND
— Pravir Singh (@Pravir21) December 14, 2022
