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Former India Captain Names Rohit Sharma's Replacement For BGT; He's Not Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill hits a century [Source: @TheCricketPanda/X.com]Shubman Gill hits a century [Source: @TheCricketPanda/X.com]

The five-match Test series between India and Australia is all set to kick off in Perth, but India might be missing their captain, Rohit Sharma, for the opening game. Rohit is expected to skip the first Test due to personal reasons, leaving a gap at the top of the order. This sudden vacancy has sparked debates over who should open the innings, and one suggestion has come from none other than Anil Kumble, a former Indian cricket legend.  

Kumble strongly believes that the team management should avoid placing Shubman Gill back at the top of the order, even if Rohit is unavailable. Instead, he advocates for Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul to handle the opening duties. According to Kumble, Gill’s performance at No. 3 has been impressive, and the team should maintain stability by keeping him there.  

"You know he (Shubman) is exceptionally talented, skilful and he's done that. He's been to Australia before. Like you mentioned, in Brisbane, he got a wonderful fifty there and he knows the conditions," Kumble remarked during a rain delay in the India-New Zealand Test.

"I don't want to change that. I know there's a temptation to push Shubman Gill because Rohit is not available in the first Test. But, there's always KL Rahul that name is synonymous with change and adapting to whatever the team wants. Whether you want to open the batting or keep wickets, Rahul Dravid did that, now KL Rahul is doing that," he said.

Shubman Gill’s Transition from Opener to No. 3  

Shubman Gill made his Test debut as an opener in 2020 at Melbourne and excelled in the role, including a brilliant 91-run knock in India’s historic win at Brisbane in 2021. However, in 2023, when India needed a replacement for Cheteshwar Pujara, Gill volunteered to move down to No. 3. This change allowed young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal to partner with Rohit at the top of the order.  Gill has gradually found success at No. 3, and Kumble believes this position allows him to thrive without the pressure of opening the innings.  

Shubman Gill’s Record Against Australia  

In the six Tests Gill has played against Australia, he has amassed 444 runs, including one century and two fifties, with a top score of 128. His experience in Australian conditions is invaluable, but Kumble feels it’s wiser to preserve his new role in the batting order.  

KL Rahul, with 2,551 runs in 75 innings and the flexibility to play multiple roles, emerges as a suitable candidate to open alongside Jaiswal in Rohit’s absence.