(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India captain Rohit Sharma shared Shubman Gill’s preferred batting position in Test matches, saying that the latter feels more comfortable at number three.
Shubman started his career as an opener. However, recently, during the West Indies series, he occupied the number three spot as Yashasvi Jaiswal opened in his place.
Since then, Shubman has faced a slump in form, struggling to score runs, especially in the Test format. When asked about this on the eve of the second Test of the ongoing series between India and South Africa, Rohit said:
“There is not much difference (on opening to batting at number 3). It takes just 1 ball for a number 3 to go in. And sometimes when an opener gets injured, a number 3 has to walk out and open the innings. I don’t see much difference there. Gill is smart and understands his batting pretty well,” Rohit said as quoted to the reporters.
“He prefers that number. He has batted in the Ranji Trophy at that number around that position. He has opened in Test and limited overs game but the number 3 was his preference. He feels he can do well for us batting at that position. It is an individual things about how you think about certain positions,” he added.
Talking about his personal preference, Rohit opined that he hated going to bat one down.
“I hated batting at number 3 and that is my opinion. Either you open the batting or you wait a little to go down the order to bat at number 5 or 6. Since I started opening, from 3 onwards till number 7 I don’t think it is the right position for anyone,” Rohit mentioned.
India lost the previous Test to the Proteas by an innings and 32 runs. The upcoming match in Cape Town, which is the last of the series, is a must-win affair for the visiting side.