India captain Shubman Gill spoke about India pacer Mohammad Shami’s absence from the Indian Test captain in the recent series and stated that it is never easy when someone of Shami’s quality misses out, but showed faith in the rest of the fast bowlers who have played.
His words came ahead of the first Test between India and World Test Champions South Africa, which will be played in Kolkata from November 14 onwards. Gill praised the hosts' wealth of all-around talent, with Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja at the forefront.
“We’re really fortunate to have the kind of quality all-rounders we do. All of them have strong batting and bowling records, especially in Indian conditions. As a captain, it’s always difficult to decide who to leave out—but that’s a good problem to have. It makes for an exciting Test match ahead," Shubman Gill said ahead of the first Test.
“South Africa played really well in their last series; they managed to draw it, and that’s why they are the reigning champions. It’s going to be a good, competitive series," Gill said about South Africa.
Gill also talked about his own preparations as a batter for the series.
“In terms of my own preparation, I focus mainly on how I can succeed as a batter. Once I’m out there in the middle, I like to back my instincts—that’s when I make my best tactical decisions. I consciously try to think like a batter and not as a captain when I’m on strike," he explained.
India will be without seasoned bowler Shami for the two-game series against the World Test Champions, and Gill emphasized the necessity of getting ahead of the curve when it comes to planning.
“There aren’t many bowlers of Shami bhai’s quality. But when you look at the performances of others—guys like Akash Deep and Prasidh—and also what Siraj and Bumrah have done for us, it becomes a tough call. It’s never easy when someone like Shami Bhai has to miss out, but at the same time, we have to plan ahead," Gill stated.
“As for fitness and selection matters, the selectors would be in a better position to give a clear answer on that," Gill said.
(PTI inputs)
