Shubman Gill who began his Test career as an opener has since moved down the batting order to number 3 since Cheteshwar Pujara's ouster from the Indian team, followed India's defeat in the WTC final in 2023 against Australia.
Gill, who is India's opener in the white-ball cricket, conceded the Test opener role to the impressive Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has had a remarkable start to his international red-ball career.
Since taking over the coveted number 3 spot from Pujara, Gill has adapted quickly to the role, however, questions still remain about his consistency going forward.
In the ongoing first Test match between India v Bangladesh at Chennai, Gill is cruising towards another hundred after a couple against England earlier this year. He currently sits on 86*(137) in the second innings while stitching a hundred-run partnership with Rishabh Pant as India has taken a lead over 400 runs.
Read More: IND vs BAN 1st Test: Live updates
Can Shubman Gill replicate Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara's success at Number 3 for India in Test cricket?
The Number 3 spot has always been one of the most important roles in Test cricket and India were lucky to have had some of their best players occupy the position for almost two and a half decades, with reliable batters such as Rahul Dravid and Pujara.
Dravid and Pujara played at Number 3 for India in 135 and 95 matches, respectively.
Shubman Gill appears to be India's best bet at the number 3 position, for the near future. Since taking over the crucial spot that links the top order from the middle order in the batting order, the 25-year-old has played 11 Tests and 19 innings for India.
He has batted at Number 3 in Tests against teams including West Indies (2 Tests), South Africa (2 Tests), England (5 Tests) and Bangladesh (1 Test) so far. He had previously played one inning back in 2021 against England.
What is Shubman Gill's record at number 3 for India in Tests?
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 50/100 | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 19 | 675 | 42.18 | 3/2 | 110 |
What is Rahul Dravid's and Cheteshwar Pujara's record at number 3 for India in Tests?
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 50/100 | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahul Dravid | 135 | 217 | 10501 | 53.30 | 50/28 | 270 |
| Cheteshwar Pujara | 95 | 155 | 6529 | 44.41 | 32/18 | 206* |
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