Shubman Gill Shouldn’t Play in Pink-Ball Test: Harbhajan Singh’s Bold Suggestion
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh wants Shubman Gill dropped from India’s XI for the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. Harbhajan instead urged the team to support Dhruv Jurel, their new wicketkeeper-batsman. He debuted in the first Test at Perth.
Gill, who missed the opening Test due to a finger injury, recently regained fitness. He scored a half-century in a warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI. India’s 295-run win in Perth creates a selection dilemma for the day-night contest.
Gill vs. Jurel: Harbhajan’s Take on Team Selection
On India’s lineup, Harbhajan said Gill should not replace Jurel. It would be unfair to drop the young keeper-batsman after just one match.
“I feel Shubman Gill shouldn’t be included in the playing XI as Dhruv Jurel deserves another chance. You can’t demote Gill to no.5 from the top-order. It is a complicated situation for the team management. But it is nice to have selection headaches,” he added.
Jurel, who scored 11 and 1 in the first Test, showed some potential but failed to make an impact. Harbhajan, however, believes the 22-year-old should get more chances in the pink-ball format.
Rohit’s Return Adds to Selection Headaches
Captain Rohit Sharma’s return from paternity leave adds to India’s selection woes. KL Rahul, who replaced Rohit as an opener in Perth, scored an impressive 77 in the second innings. He and Yashasvi Jaiswal had a match-winning 201-run partnership.
Harbhajan suggested that Rahul and Jaiswal should open the innings. Rohit should bat at No. 3—a position where he has had success earlier in his career.
“I want KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings in the second Test. Shubman Gill will have to give his place to captain Rohit Sharma,” he said.
India’s “Good Problem” Ahead of Adelaide Test
India’s selection dilemma reflects the team’s depth, with multiple players in form. Harbhajan accepted that Gill will likely be picked over Jurel. But, he reiterated his support for Jurel.
“I know they will play Gill ahead of wicker-keeper Jurel but Jurel should get another opportunity ,” he concluded.
The pink-ball Test begins at the Adelaide Oval. India aims to keep their momentum after a big win in Perth.
Key Match Stats (Perth Test)
Result: India won by 295 runs
Key Partnership: KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal – 201 runs
Dhruv Jurel Scores: 11 & 1
