Shubman Gill’s peculiar batting statistic has left cricket pundits scratching their heads. Since 2020, Gill has boasted the highest average among Indian Test batters in the second innings, but his overall Test average remains a modest 35. This glaring disparity suggests a consistent underperformance in the first innings.
In the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh, Gill’s pattern repeated itself. After a disappointing duck in the first innings, he rebounded with a magnificent 119 in the second. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his bewilderment at this recurring phenomenon.
“I have no idea. I just cannot apply a cricketing reason to this,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo. “His Test career went off the rails slightly. He started very well against Australia in Australia – got a 90. After that, he had a few opportunities against not-so-great oppositions in India and didn’t quite cash in, didn’t get the big scores, and then had the tough tours.”
Gill’s struggles in the first innings have hindered his overall Test average. Despite his impressive second-innings performances, his career average remains below par. This inconsistency has raised questions about his ability to perform consistently at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh ended Day 3 of the Chennai Test at 158/4, trailing India by 357 runs. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (51*) and Shakib Al Hasan (5*) remained unbeaten at the crease. India’s bowlers, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, picked up four wickets in the post-Tea session to keep Bangladesh in check.
