India have already pocketed yet another Border Gavaskar Series as they have taken a big lead of 2-0 in the ongoing 4-match Test series against Australia. India have been clinching off the Border Gavaskar Series for the past 3 editions and this will be the 4th edition, India will be winning.
One of the main talking points in the Indian cricket team was KL Rahul’s poor form with the bat. The seasoned opener of India failed to get his bearings right in the first 2 Tests and has had a dubious record since 2022 in Tests.
KL Rahul has averaged only 30.28 in 11 Tests since 2020 and has not been at his fiery best in the red-ball format of the game. Even after scoring a century in England in 2021, KL Rahul has been far away from consistency in this format of the game.
With Shubman Gill in the ranks, India could well try him out as an opener in the remainder of the Test series. In this article, we take a look at 3 reasons why Shubman Gill should replace KL Rahul in the 3rd Test:
1. KL Rahul’s poor form
One of the main reasons why Shubman Gill should be drafted into the playing XI in the 3rd Test is KL Rahul’s poor form. The 30-year-old cricketer has logged scores of 20, 17 and 1 in the series so far.
With Gill breathing down his neck, KL Rahul might have to sit out during the 3rd Test.
2. Shubman Gill’s stellar form in Tests
Shubman Gill has been in breath-taking form in the longest format of the game. In 13 Tests so far, Gill has mustered 736 runs and has 4 fifties and 1 hundred under his belt. He also recorded his maiden century in this format in the Test series against Bangladesh in the 1st Test match between the two sides in Chattogram.
The Test match took place in December 2022 and he looks in fine touch.
3. KL Rahul should take a break
If we are to witness the old destructive KL Rahul back in action, then he should go on a sabbatical. This was suggested by Indian cricketer and commentator Dinesh Karthik as well. During this time period, India could well groom Shubman Gill as an opener for the future and as a good replacement of Rohit Sharma, when he retires.
Also read: IND vs AUS ODI Series: Australia Squad Announced, Maxwell And Marsh Return
