WI vs IND | Shubman Gill Asked For A Demotion To No. 3

image-ljzdtcrzShubman Gill asks for a change in batting order (Twitter)

Team India is set to field Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first time in Tests, when Rohit Sharma’s troops take on hosts West Indies on July 12 in Dominica’s Windsor Park. The skipper himself confirmed that the youngster will be opening the innings alongside him at the expense of Shubman Gill.

Gill, who has been opening the innings for India throughout his Test career, has just asked coach Rahul Dravid for an unexpected demotion in the batting order. In a pre-match press conference, captain Sharma narrated the youngster’s request and explained the reasons behind his sudden decision.


Sharma confirms Gill’s desire to bat at No. 3

Shubman Gill made his Test debut in December 2020 against Australia as an opener. The cricketer has played 16 Tests so far and has opened the innings for India in each of them.

Ahead of the first Test against West Indies, Indian captain Rohit Sharma stated that Gill has asked coach Rahul Dravid that he wants to bat at number three in the series. While speaking at the press conference, Sharma said:

"Gill himself went to head coach Rahul Dravid and expressed a desire to bat at No.3 as he has batted in that position throughout his career."

Interestingly, the decision played right into the Indian management’s hands as the skipper confirmed that the team has been desperately looking for an ideal left-handed opener. Gill’s demotion to number three paves the way for young southpaw Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings with his captain, which also gives the team a left-right combination at the top of the order.

"Indian cricket was desperately looking for a left-hander, and we have found one in Jaiswal. The left-right combination at the top will be a big advantage for us."

Team India is currently in West Indies for a two-match Test series and the matches also launches their campaign for the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC). The two sides will then collide in eight white-ball games from July 27 onwards, which will serve as a testing ground for the Indian team ahead of the ODI World Cup later this year.