3 Reasons Why Shubman Gill Should Be Replaced By KL Rahul At No 3 In India Vs Bangladesh Tests

KL Rahul can be a better bet than Gill at 3 for several reasons [X]

To the delight of Indian cricket fans, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit will kickstart its packed calendar with a high-voltage Test series opener against Bangladesh on the 19th of this month. The Ajit Agarkar-led men's selection committee recently announced a formidable squad for the series, with Rishabh Pant returning to the whites after a long hiatus. 

Talking about India, the hosts will be dependent on cricketing stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for an impressive show with the bat. The eyes will also be on KL Rahul, with Shubman Gill seeking a resurgence after letting his fans down with twin failures in the Duleep Trophy. 

In a time when Gill's struggles against the moving ball have become a headache for team India, let's analyse and determine if his position swap with the in-form Rahul can reap the rewards for the hosts in the Bangladesh series. 

KL Rahul: A Better Player Of Moving Ball Than Shubman Gill

(KL Rahul and Shubman Gill's Stats In Seam-Friendly Conditions Since 2021)

Despite showing an early promise with a match-winning knock at the Gabba, Shubman Gill has repeatedly fallen prey to the moving ball in international cricket. The Punjab batter has particularly been prone to the incoming deliveries, which have troubled him time and again in the red-ball format. 

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On the contrary, KL Rahul's approach to seaming deliveries has been commendable. Rahul, who initially struggled to get going on seaming decks, fine-tuned his technique to rejuvenate his Test career with a string of impactful knocks in overseas Tests. 

Thus, Rahul's compact defence and ability to blunt the new ball provide India with a more assured number three option than Gill, who can be a comparatively easier opponent for teams having quality pace attacks. 

How Can The Demotion Be A Blessing In Disguise For Gill?

While KL Rahul's promotion can work wonders for India in Tests, Shubman Gill's demotion to the middle order could also help them use the youngster's potential more effectively. Generally, teams prefer to slot their stroke players down the order so that they can up the ante while batting with the tail-enders. 

Despite receiving backlash for his technique, Gill continues to be one of India's flamboyant stroke-makers when the ball doesn't move in the air and off the pitch. So, such a strategic swap might actually suit Gill, allowing him to capitalise on run-scoring opportunities against the old ball. 

KL Rahul's Promotion: A Move For The Future

KL Rahul's batting promotion can have another positive long-term consequence for Team India besides empowering them with a more stable top-order. After crossing swords against the Tigers, India will face New Zealand at home before departing for Australia for a highly anticipated Test series. 

Given it's a five-match tour, India would prefer a settled top-order rather than replacing Gill with another batter as their number three midway in the series. So, batting at three in the Bangladesh Tests could be morale-boosting for KL Rahul, who, in turn, can use the confidence to thrive Down Under. 

After all, India should be well aware of a technically superior batter's significance at number three, keeping in mind the heroics of Cheteshwar Pujara, who was instrumental in their successive series wins on Aussie soil. 

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