Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif believes the team management might have to drop either KL Rahul or Shreyas Iyer in order to play Shubman Gill. The youngster scored a fine hundred in the second innings of the opening Test match against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chhatogram.
Gill scored 110 runs and brought up his maiden Test century. However, Gill’s place in the team is not guaranteed as he got a chance in the absence of full-time captain Rohit Sharma, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a thumb injury.
It has been confirmed that Rohit will miss the second Test as well due to injury and thus Gill will get another chance. Kaif feels no one can stop Gill from becoming an all-format player as he has all the talent and has been performing consistently.
“It is a tough call because of the template they are following in Test cricket. They are playing with five bowlers. You could have adjusted him if you were playing four bowlers. It will be difficult to fit him in. He might have to wait if Rohit Sharma comes back,” Kaif said on Sony Sports Network.
“He has the form. If I am Shubman Gill at the moment, I will not think if my selection will happen or not, I have done my job. No one can stop him from becoming an all-format player.”
Kaif wants the team’s think tank to make a place for Shubman Gill in the team even if it is at the expense of vice-captain KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who has been in good form.
“Shubman Gill has the technique, scores runs consistently, and has the hunger. He scored in the IPL and won Gujarat Titans the title, has scored centuries in ODI and Test cricket, so his 2022 has been fantastic.”
“You will not be able to stop such a player for a long time, whether you have to drop KL Rahul or Shreyas Iyer for that, the place will get created. He is looking better and better whenever he is given the opportunity. The Test match is after three days, Rohit Sharma might not come as well,” said Kaif.
Gill has been used as a backup opener for ODI and Test cricket but he has performed consistently whenever he has received his chances.
The second Test match will take place in Dhaka on Thursday.
