India's opener Shubman Gill regrets missing out on a big knock in the first innings of the ongoing Mumbai Test against New Zealand. He was dismissed on 44 runs off 71 deliveries by Kiwi spinner Ajaz Patel.

Gill, who put up a partnership of 80 runs with his opening partner Mayank Agarwal, said the pitch was helping the spinners but there wasn't much help for the pacers. 

"I was batting well and it was an opportunity for me to go big, but unfortunately I missed out on this one. There wasn't much for the pacers but there was something for the spinners," Gill said after day's play.

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The 22-year-old further said that it's important to play the line of the ball to survive maximum overs. "The oddball was turning and gripping initially. But I think as the match went on, the wicket settled a bit. It's important to play the line of the ball. If it's spinning, don't go with the spin.

"If it spins too much, you just hope it doesn't take the outside edge. And you try not to get lbw, especially to left-arm spinners," he added.

Gill has the highest score of 91 in Test cricket and he hasn't been able to register his first Test hundred in 10 matches. The youngster has scored four half-centuries so far in the longest format. 

The Punjab batter said the issue isn't lack of concentration. "Unfortunately I haven't got a hundred yet in these 10 matches but it's not because of my concentration. I feel converting hundreds into big ones is actually one of my strengths," he said.

Gill lauded his opening partner Mayank for his hundred on Day 1 and added, "It was a great knock, absolutely determined and great innings. To be able to play 250 balls in a day and remain unbeaten is great." 

(With PTI inputs)