On Pujara's turf, eyes on Gill
Hindustan Times|February 14, 2024
History shows India’s most successful No.3s have been orthodox innings builders, but India want to play its cricket differently
Rasesh Mandani
On Pujara's turf, eyes on Gill

For 29 Test innings, Shubman Gill opened the batting for India and did okay-averaging 32.37, hitting two centuries and charming the world with the sound of his bat. A decent run in Australia was followed by a tough tour of England. But while he accepted the opening position to kick his career off, he soon realised that he wanted to bat lower down the order... at No.4 if possible.

With Virat Kohli ruling the roost at No. 4 currently that wasn't going to happen, so Gill took his next preferred slot at No. 3.

On most days, Gill has the shots to own the stage. Yet, when your technique is tested threadbare, which can be an everyday occurrence in Tests, and runs dry up, you sometimes just want a place to hide. For the first 10 innings at his new batting position, Gill did not even have a fifty to his name. It didn't take long for suggestions to change in his batting position.

With pressure piling up, it was providence that helped him turn the tide in the second innings at Vizag. After surviving two close calls and a dropped chance, Gill's 104 was as much a reaffirmation of his talent as it was a message to his doubters: he wasn't going to run away from a fight.

Without the comfort of Kohli's presence, Gill won't have it easy when he takes guard on Cheteshwar Pujara's home turf on Thursday. At Rajkot, India's middle order will have a decidedly inexperienced feel with Rajat Patidar, one Test old, and likely debutant Sarfaraz Khan. The remaining Tests in the series will be a thorough test for Gill; much stiffer than perhaps leading an IPL franchise for the first time.

Esta historia es de la edición February 14, 2024 de Hindustan Times.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición February 14, 2024 de Hindustan Times.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE HINDUSTAN TIMESVer todo
Backing queer love stories in cinema is liberating: Onir
Hindustan Times

Backing queer love stories in cinema is liberating: Onir

Filmmaker Onir's latest project, We Are Faheem and Karun, is a queer love story set against the backdrop of Gurez, Jammu and Kashmir.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Terence Lewis reveals why Saroj Khan, Farah Khan were 'more aggressive' than male choreographers
Hindustan Times

Terence Lewis reveals why Saroj Khan, Farah Khan were 'more aggressive' than male choreographers

When it comes to the field of choreography in Bollywood, there have been only a handful of women choreographers. Two names that instantly come to mind are the late choreographer Saroj Khan and choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Lucknow kids' reimagine Sabya's bridal collection; earn cheers from B'wood
Hindustan Times

Lucknow kids' reimagine Sabya's bridal collection; earn cheers from B'wood

Underprivileged kids from Lucknow reimagine Sabyasachi's bridal designs

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Zendaya and Anne Hathaway join Christopher Nolan's next
Hindustan Times

Zendaya and Anne Hathaway join Christopher Nolan's next

Hollywood actors Zendaya and Oscar winner Anne Hathaway are the latest additions to the cast of director Christopher Nolan's upcoming feature film.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
'Comedy is enjoyable but not easy to do'
Hindustan Times

'Comedy is enjoyable but not easy to do'

Actor Aftab Shivdasani has had a good run in comedy films, with notable performances in Hungama (2003), Masti (2004) and Deewane Huye Paagal (2005). So, it's no surprise that he is excited to return to the genre with Welcome To The Jungle.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
ARMAAN MALIK ON HIS THIRD EMA NOD: IT FEELS SURREAL
Hindustan Times

ARMAAN MALIK ON HIS THIRD EMA NOD: IT FEELS SURREAL

Singer-songwriter Armaan Malik is ecstatic that he has received a nomination at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) for his song Always with British singer Calum Scott in the Best India Act category.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
'A crossover between The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and Real Housewives of NY is in the works'
Hindustan Times

'A crossover between The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and Real Housewives of NY is in the works'

Reality TV star Jessel Taank, the first Indian to feature in The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY), was in Mumbai recently. Talking about her weeklong visit, she shares, \"India's so exciting-economically and culturally - it's imploding. What drew me to India is the fact that I am labelled as the first Indian on RHONY and that's a big compliment. Yet, I feel a disconnect.\"

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Ricky Kej beams with joy after fourth Grammy nomination
Hindustan Times

Ricky Kej beams with joy after fourth Grammy nomination

Musician Ricky Kej is thrilled to receive his fourth Grammy nomination. Having won the prestigious award in 2015, 2022 and 2023, his excitement remains as palpable as his first nomination.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
A new innings begins for Athiya and Rahul
Hindustan Times

A new innings begins for Athiya and Rahul

Actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul are set to embrace parenthood in 2025, as they joyfully announced their pregnancy on Friday.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Sonu Sood is the Brand Ambassador and Tourism Advisor for Thailand
Hindustan Times

Sonu Sood is the Brand Ambassador and Tourism Advisor for Thailand

Sonu Sood, already celebrated as both an actor and philanthropist, has added another prestigious title to his name: Brand Ambassador and Honorary Tourism Advisor for Thailand.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024