IND vs ENG 2024: “This year, I believe, is going to be a breakthrough year for me in red-ball” – Shubman Gill

India’s Shubman Gill is optimistic of achieving success in the red-ball version in 2024. Gill had a fantastic year in ODI format in 2023, finishing as the leading run-getter with 1584 runs but he wasn’t able to replicate the same success in the Test version.

Gill has scored 1040 runs in 20 Test matches at an average of 30.59 and thus has failed to live up to the lofty expectations.

Gill could only score 74 runs at an average of 18.50 in the two Test matches against South Africa and thus he will look to turn the tables in the ongoing Test series against England. The youngster will bat at number three against the visitors and he will look to deliver the goods for the hosts.

India’s head coach Rahul Dravid had also put his weight behind the youngster to deliver in the red-ball version.

“I like batting at three. I hope I’d be there for a long time. We are used to playing in these wickets and these conditions,” Shubman Gill told official broadcaster Jio Cinema.

“It’s about trusting your defense and then to be able to pounce on the opportunity that you get to score runs. Last year was a breakthrough year for me in white-ball. This year, I believe, is going to be a breakthrough year for me in red-ball.”

He continued: “Generally when you are opening, you are more used to going straightaway. It’s all about how calm you can be and how much assessment you can do while you are out there, and I got that quite a few times to do.”

“In the first Test match (in West Indies), both Yashasvi and Rohit bhai both scored a century. I sat there for about 50-60 overs. If I sit out for 50-60 overs today, I would be happy.”

Gill will aim to make the most of his chances in the five-match Test series. England were 108-3 at lunch after Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bat first.