On Pujara's turf, eyes on Gill

History shows India’s most successful No.3s have been orthodox innings builders, but India want to play its cricket differently

- Rasesh Mandani

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.