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WTC Final | 'Gill Will Learn, But Pujara...': Ravi Shastri Slams Veteran Batter For Poor Outing on Day 2

image-lio2rah7Pujara after getting dismissed [AP Photos]

Day 2 of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 started with India wrapping up Australia under 469, after resuming the day on 327 for 3. On a bright sunny day at The Oval, Indian batters were expected to shell out big runs, which sadly for Rohit Sharma and Co. did not happen.

India's famed top-order consisting of Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Virat Kohli got out cheaply despite getting starts, with India reeling on 71 for 4. Former captain Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja consolidated the innings, adding 71 runs before the latter fell on the brink of stumps, with India 151 for 5, trailing Australia by 318 runs. 

Apart from Kohli, no other batter received an unplayable delivery, which highlights the shot selection employed by others. Gill, and Pujara in particular were found dumbstruck, leaving their wickets open.

Speaking on air, former India player and coach Ravi Shastri has lashed out at both players, largely the veteran batter, for not knowing where his off-stump is. 

Here's what Shastri said

"That is leaving it poorly because the front foot has just gone across. It should be going towards the ball; he was looking to play it and then decided whether he should leave it. You see, the way he is leaving it, the off-stump is exposed. The front foot is still middle stump when it's actually going towards off stump. Watch that front foot. It should be further across and towards the ball. He thought it was outside the off stump. It was an error in judgment,

We talk about leaving the ball in England and we always talk about knowing where your off stump is. This is not knowing where your off stump is. See, Shubman Gill being a little lazy with his footwork. He will learn; he is still young, but Pujara will be very disappointing seeing that. It should have been a little further towards the ball and across the line of the ball. That's why they keep telling you - know where your off stump is,"

Both Gill and Pujara have been in rich form lately; the former was the highest run-getter in IPL 2023, while the latter has been dishing out daddy tons in County Cricket for Surrey.