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'One Of My Better Knocks' - Shubman Gill On Countering Kiwis' Spin Challenge In Mumbai Test

Akshita Patel

Shubman Gill's gritty knock helps India overpower New Zealand on Day 2 of third Test [Source: @sachin_rt/X.com]Shubman Gill's gritty knock helps India overpower New Zealand on Day 2 of third Test [Source: @sachin_rt/X.com]

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India’s rising star Shubman Gill slammed a special knock of 90 off 146 balls in the third Test against New Zealand. With India in trouble, Gill combated Kiwi’s spin challenge to put his team on top in a pivotal series finale. Coming off an injury, Gill revealed the preparations that helped him adapt to tough conditions.

The Indian team committed a series of blunders moments before stumps on Day 1 which put pressure on Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant on Day 2. They started from 86/4 to knit a 96- run partnership. While both batters scored a fifty, Gill was dismissed just 10 runs short of his century on 90 off 146 balls.

This special comeback innings came at a time when India demanded stability after early lapses. Gill corrected his technical flaws to rescue India from a dangerous situation.

Shubman Gill rates his Wankhede knock

That being said, speaking at the post-match press conference, Shubman Gill reflected on his special innings and its significance in his career. According to IndiaToday, Gill rated his knock as one of the finest of his Test career. Not only that, his strategy to fight New Zealand’s spin-heavy attack paid off as he managed to neutralise them with timely aggression, making it difficult for the bowlers to maintain consistency.

"One of my better knocks in Test. To have a consistent mindset while playing spinners. We were trying to put them under pressure. We were having fun. It is difficult for bowlers to bowl consistently if we keep hitting them," Shubman Gill said.

"I worked on my game before the England series started. I really didn't get that much time because of injury. Before the Pune Test, I got net sessions. Conversations with the coach was to have more repetition of the practice I do," Shubman said. I've been having a great year. I was confident going into this game. When you are playing for the country, you enjoy it."

Gill, still, was denied a ton after Ajaz Patel found an edge, sending him back to the dugout just 10 runs short of a century. Despite this, his knock laid the foundation for India’s innings and reflected on his growth as a reliable No. 3 batter. Also, Gill surpassed the 800-run mark in Test career for the year 2024.

New Zealand on back foot at 171/9 on Day 2

India had a 28- run lead at the end of second innings on Day 2. The borderline lead was enough to put New Zealand under pressure on a tricky wicket. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin extorted annihilation just like the old times and bagged 7 wickets combined. With Sundar and Akash Deep also forcing a wicket each, the Kiwis were reduced to 171/9 with a 143- run lead by stumps on Day 2.