Shubman Gill has been left out of the playing XI in the ongoing Boxing Day Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne. He has failed to capitalize on his chances in the ongoing five-match Test series Down Under.
The right-handed batsman missed the first Test in Perth with a finger injury but returned for the second Test in Adelaide. Shubman Gill looked promising in the Day-Night Test, but could only manage 31 and 28 during India's 10-wicket loss to Australia at Adelaide Oval.
Shubman Gill faces snub for the must-win MCG Test after a poor batting display
In the Gabba Test, the Indian batsman was dismissed for just 1 while chasing a wide delivery in the first innings, ruling him out of the playing XI for the ongoing fourth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. (MCG) in Melbourne.
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In the ongoing Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, India have decided to bring back captain Rohit Sharma as their opener, while KL Rahul, who has been their standout batsman so far as the opener in the ongoing BGT 2024-25, has been forced to move to No 3 – given his ability to handle With the new ball.
Bringing Rohit Sharma back into the opening slot and shifting KL Rahul to No. 3 meant that Shubman Gill had to lose his place to the Karnataka batsman for the Indian captain, who was struggling for runs at number six, but things remained the same. Same at the MCG, where they were dismissed for just 3 runs.
Shubman Gill does his best in the nets during the Boxing Day Test
However, India could have fielded Gill at number six, but chose to field an all-rounder to make the most of the Melbourne conditions against Australia. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill is making the most of his time in the nets as India take on the Kangaroos at the MCG.
During India's post-tea session and lunch period during the ongoing Boxing Day Test, Gill was seen taking on Indian bowlers, including Harshit Rana and Tanush Kotyan, and several side-armed deliveries into the nets. It's hard not to wonder why he was left out of the fourth Test, given the way he works hard, shows determination and focus at the nets.
It is not surprising to see Shubman Gill in the nets during the lunch break. He faces Harshit Rana, Tanush Kotyan and a lot of side arm. It should have been in the playing XI at the MCG pic.twitter.com/pbCvXdxd3J
– Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) December 27, 2024
Gill is having a net session now when India bat in the post-tea session. pic.twitter.com/1tZFE5snQ8
– Vimal Kumar (@vimalwa) December 27, 2024
Abhishek Nayar explains Shubman Gill's exclusion from the MCG Test
Earlier, India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar spoke about the team taking the decision to leave the Punjab pacer for the MCG encounter. He stressed that it was unfortunate for Shubman Gill to have to sit out due to the composition and requirements of the team, but stressed that it was not as if he was left out of the team.
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“Well, I think a lot of decisions, when they are made and the process of making them, the communication is always there, the transparency is there. Rohit will come in the order and most likely he will open the innings for us,” Abhishek Nayar told the media in Melbourne.
“So, I think that was the thought process, and unfortunately for Gilles, that's how it went. He had to sit out, and sometimes I feel like a young player in a position like that, having a great day; he wants to make his mark; he realizes that's what the team wants, It is unfortunate that I would not say that he was excluded per se; it is unfortunate that he was not able to find his place in his team.