The India Cricket Team are ready to face the Proteas in an all important 2 match Test series. But it is highly likely that skipper Rohit Sharma will open India’s proceedings with Shubman Gill. On the other hand, it is likely the young southpaw Yashasvi Jaiswal who pair with Rohit as Shubman Gill will go down the order to bat at number 3.
Shubman Gill aka the Baby GOAT has had a terrific year in 2023. He has gone on to pile runs at his might and smash records for fun. But Gill traditionally is an opener. While he has played at Number 3, the young batter is not comfortable in that position and has fumbled to score much runs.
Just like when India toured the Caribbeans, Gill paved way for debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings. On the other hand, Kohli gave away his treasured number 3 spot to Gill while he settled in at 4.
Despite the compromise, Gill hasn’t fared well at the number 3 spot. He has consistently struggled and has failed to score big runs. In fact Gill hasn’t managed to slam a single fifty in Tests when he has batter at number 3.
Shubman Gill’s Achilles Heel
It is safe to say that Gill’s Achilles Heel is batting at number 3. Other than the opening spot, Gill hasn’t managed runs down the order. So far Gill has played 4 innings batting at 3 where he has managed to score 92 runs with an average of 30.67. His highest score at this spot is 47. Therefore it will be a big challenge for the youngster to prove his worth when he faces the Proteas in the two upcoming big Tests.
Shubman Gill Stats by Batting Position in Test Cricket
| Position | Inns | 100s | 50s | HS | Runs | Avg |
| Opening | 29 | 2 | 4 | 128 | 874 | 32.37 |
| 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 92 | 30.67 |
| Overall | 33 | 2 | 4 | 128 | 966 | 32.2 |
