After an exceptional performance with the India A squad, young batsman Shubman Gill has secured his place for the Test series against New Zealand with the senior team.
After an exceptional performance with the India A squad, young batsman Shubman Gill has secured his place for the Test series against New Zealand with the senior team.
The young lad says he is set to face the Kiwi challenge after he was included in the squad as a replacement for injured Rohit Sharma.
"I am ready for the series as I have enough match practice and I have played here before in India A tour," Gill told reporters.
It was in New Zealand last year that Gill had made his India debut. Now as he gears to take on the BlackCaps he explains how fitness has been central to his development.
"I don't know about control over the mind but if you are fitter, you are confident that I can play longer innings, I won't be that tired," Gill said. "If I am playing in a test match, I can back myself to play 300 balls, 350 balls and after that, when you go out to the field, I won't be that tired. My legs won't be that tired. Those are the challenges.
"I think I have grown as a player, I have grown in confidence and in other aspects of my game. I think I have learnt a lot of things over the last few years. On my fitness, fielding, not just on my batting."
Not just him, even Prithvi Shaw has made his India debut with the ODI series. When asked if there is any competition between the two boys who started off their cricket career together, Gill said, "Obviously, our [his and Shaw's] careers started at the same time but there is no fight [for the spot] as such. Both of us have done well in our positions. It's up to the team management, who they will play. Whoever gets the chance will try to make the most of the opportunity and not let it go waste."
He even spoke about the challenges he will face, like wind being an important factor. He gave a comparison between England and New Zealand.
"I think the wind factor is very important here. The bowlers plan their bowling, fielding according to the wind. In England, the ball swings more and off the wicket, there is much movement as compared to New Zealand. England is much more challenging for batsmen while facing seamers,” Gill said.
With Shaw and Mayank Agarwal in the squad and could possibly open for India and with KL Rahul not included in the 15-member squad, his position opens up.
Talking about playing in the middle order, Gill said, "When you go at number four, there are already two wickets down so that's the different scenario and different pressure game. When you are opening the innings you have to set the game for the whole team. You have to set the base for the other batsmen to come in so it will be easy for them".
As for the first Test of the series, it will be played at Basin Reserve in Wellington from February 21.
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