Rahul Dravid was upset after getting Shubman Gill out lbw
Rahul Dravid, the head coach, appeared visibly upset during the third T20I against South Africa when Shubman Gill was given out LBW. Gill, batting at 8 off 6 balls, attempted a sweep against Keshav Maharaj but missed, hitting the pads instead.
Initially, the decision seemed straightforward, prompting Shubman Gill to confer briefly with his partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and ultimately opt against a review. However, upon review, it became evident that Gill should have challenged the decision.
Despite the ball pitching in line with the stumps and the impact being accurate, the ball tracker indicated it would have missed the leg stump. Notably, even Jaiswal seemed unconvinced. When the replay appeared on the big screen, Dravid, seated with Vikram Rathour, couldn’t conceal his frustration, audibly expressing his discontent.
This instance capped off Gill’s disappointing streak in 2023. Throughout his T20I career, he accumulated 8 single-digit scores in 13 innings, a sharp contrast to his commendable ODI performances. Apart from a century against New Zealand in February and a fifty versus West Indies the previous year, Shubman Gill struggled to surpass fifty runs.
His consistent inclusion over an in-form Ruturaj Gaikwad, who recently scored a century against Australia, sparked outrage among fans, leading to the #SackDravid trend on social media. With just three T20Is left before the T20 World Cup, time may be dwindling for Shubman Gill.
However, the upcoming IPL 2024, likely commencing in late March, offers a platform where Shubman Gill previously excelled, amassing 890 runs and clinching the Orange Cap in the previous season. Moreover, his elevation to Gujarat Titans’ captaincy might reignite his form, reminiscent of his performance in IPL 2023.
“There aren’t many T20Is before the World Cup. In that regard, I aim to give my best. Although I’ve played only 11 T20Is, participating in the upcoming series against Afghanistan in India would boost my confidence. Mental strength is crucial; once on the field, it’s about focusing on the goal,” Shubman Gill mentioned before the 2nd T20I in Gqeberha.
Shubman Gill now shifts his attention to ODIs, a format where he boasts an impressive track record. Yet, following his recovery from dengue in October, his runs have declined. In the World Cup, he secured four half-centuries but seemed to struggle in crafting prolonged innings. Against South Africa in ODIs, Gill managed 103 runs across four matches, with a highest score of 49.
Returning to the Thursday match, Jaiswal compensated for his earlier mistake, scoring a dazzling 60 off 41 balls, including six fours and three sixes. India’s resounding 106-run victory in the decider against South Africa, sealing the series at 1-1, overshadowed Shubman Gill’s setback.
Suryakumar Yadav’s phenomenal century—his fourth in T20Is, equalling a record—propelled India to 201/7. Subsequently, birthday celebrant Kuldeep Yadav dazzled with his left-arm wrist spin, claiming remarkable figures of 5/17, dismantling the Proteas for a paltry 95.
Rarely do players deliver career-best performances on their birthdays, making this feat particularly exceptional. The astounding victory on Thursday marked an exceptional turn of events for India. Suryakumar Yadav’s scintillating century, which equaled a record in T20Is, steered India to an imposing total of 201/7.
This remarkable feat set the stage for a dominant win, overshadowing Shubman Gill’s earlier dismissal and subsequent frustrations. Furthermore, Kuldeep Yadav, celebrating his birthday, showcased his bowling prowess, delivering an outstanding performance with figures of 5/17. His left-arm wrist spin baffled the South African batting lineup, limiting them to a mere 95 runs.
Rarely do cricketers display their career-best performances on their birthdays, making Kuldeep Yadav’s outstanding achievement an extraordinary highlight of the match. His magical spell, combined with Yadav’s explosive batting, ensured India’s emphatic victory, concluding the series at 1-1 against South Africa.
The comprehensive win not only salvaged Shubman Gill’s disappointing outing but also underscored the depth and resilience of the Indian squad, especially with the T20 World Cup looming ahead. As they look forward to the upcoming challenges, Gill aims to refocus his efforts, leveraging his strong record in ODIs and potentially rejuvenating his form ahead of the much-anticipated tournaments in the cricketing calendar.
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