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'Gill Not A No.3 Player' - Former Selector Backs Jaffer's Call For Change In India's Top Order

image-ls0dbb4nShubman Gill & Rohit Sharma (X.com)

Former Indian selector Sarandeep Singh has backed Wasim Jaffer's call for a reshuffle in the top batting order ahead of the second Test against England as he feels Shubman Gill is not a suitable no.3 option. 

Shubman Gill's transition to the No. 3 spot has not met initial expectations. Since he dropped down the order, the batter witnessed a rough patch as runs dried up from his end.

In Test format, Shubman Gill last hit a ton in March last year against Australia in Ahmedabad. Moreover, in the past 11 innings, Gill's highest score has been 36. To further add to the misery, the Gujarat Titans opener failed in the Hyderabad Test as he wasted a strong start in the first inning and registered a duck in the second.

Since then, calls for a shuffle in the batting order have gained momentum. Many identified flaws in Gill's technique at number 3 as his ultra-aggressive approach has badly backfired.

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer suggested Rohit Sharma drop down the order and let Gill open with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second Test versus England.

Now, days ahead of the Visakhapatnam Test, former Indian selector Sarandeep Singh has backed Jaffer's suggestion. He firmly believes Shubman Gill is not an ideal No. 3 batter. Gill has opened up all his life and does not like to wait around for his turn.

Moreover, Rohit Sharma is one of the finest players of spin in the world. Thus, he should drop down to no.3 and let Gill and Jaiswal open for the second Test.

"Gill is not a number three player. He should open. Rohit is one of the best players of spin and can drop down to accommodate Gill at the top,'' Sarandeep Singh told PTI.

That being said, the change in batting order won't work until Gill corrects his technical flaws. He needs to tone down his aggression and adapt to circumstances. Test cricket is all about building character, and the ongoing series serves as a perfect learning curve for youngsters like Gill to mature as a dependable batter.