Image courtesy: X / BCCI
India’s young batting sensation, Shubman Gill, has taken a significant step towards recovery, returning to the nets for the first time since a thumb injury ruled him out of the series opener in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia. The injury, sustained during a practice simulation at Perth’s WACA, not only sidelined Gill from the Perth Test but also dashed his hopes of playing at the iconic Optus Stadium for the first time. However, his recovery progress has raised hopes of a return for the second Test in Adelaide, beginning December 6.
Gill Back in the Nets
On Friday, November 29, at India’s training session in Canberra, Gill participated in an extended nets session, facing throwdowns and testing his thumb under controlled conditions. Team India’s assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, shared an optimistic update, stating, “He is batting right now, and our physio will evaluate him. From what I’ve seen, he looks comfortable batting and seems capable of playing in a match.”
Gill himself sounded positive about his progress, stating in an interview with BCCI.TV, “It was my first day back in the nets, and I was just trying to get a feel for it, see how the injury reacts. But it actually went much better than what I and Kamlesh bhai expected. I am very happy with that.”
Disappointment Over Missing Perth Test
Gill expressed his disappointment over missing the Perth Test, a venue he was eagerly looking forward to playing at. “When I got to know about my injury, for the first couple of days, I was quite low and disappointed. Perth was the only venue where I didn’t play the last time we toured Australia, and I was excited about the challenge,” he revealed.
Despite his personal setback, Gill drew satisfaction from India’s performance in the series opener, noting the team’s strong showing. India’s decision to play Devdutt Padikkal at number three in his absence proved effective, but Padikkal will now make way for returning skipper Rohit Sharma, with adjustments to the batting order expected in the second Test.
Potential Return for Adelaide Pink-Ball Test
The second Test in Adelaide, a pink-ball fixture, could see Shubman Gill back in India’s playing XI if he attains full fitness. With Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal set to open, and KL Rahul likely to slot in at number three, Gill could reclaim his spot in the middle order, batting at number three or lower at five or six. His inclusion would bolster India’s lineup against Australia’s formidable pace attack under the lights.
India is set to play a two-day warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra under lights, offering Gill a chance to further assess his match readiness. His performance in the practice game will likely determine his availability for the Adelaide Test.
Gill’s Test Credentials Down Under
Gill has already proven his mettle in Australia during the previous Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Making his Test debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), he impressed with a composed knock and played a pivotal role in India’s historic win at the Gabba, breaching Australia’s fortress. While he is yet to play at Perth’s Optus Stadium, his return to Adelaide would mark another opportunity to shine on the Australian stage.
Team Dynamics for Adelaide
With Rohit Sharma’s return to the XI, India’s top order looks settled. Gill’s potential inclusion could see Devdutt Padikkal or Dhruv Jurel stepping aside, while KL Rahul’s position might shift depending on team strategy. Rahul, who can bat flexibly, could be slotted lower down the order to provide depth to India’s batting.
The second Test in Adelaide is crucial for both teams as they battle for supremacy in the BGT. Shubman Gill’s return would undoubtedly be a welcome boost for India, adding firepower to their batting lineup and offering fans another chance to witness the young star in action.
As the countdown to December 6 begins, all eyes will be on Gill’s recovery and his potential impact on India’s campaign.
