Aoba Tanaka 
Amidst questions about his form and a stern warning reminiscent of Cheteshwar Pujara’s situation, Shubman Gill delivered a stunning response with a remarkable century in the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam. The young cricketer’s innings not only showcased his resilience but also silenced critics who doubted his place in the squad.
Having faced scrutiny for a prolonged poor run of form spanning 11 months, Gill’s resilience came to the forefront in the second innings of the test match. After being dismissed for 34 in the first innings, former India head coach Ravi Shastri issued a cautionary note, drawing parallels with Pujara’s perseverance in Ranji Trophy cricket.
Gill’s innings on Sunday didn’t come without its challenges. He survived two lbw scares, courtesy of Tom Hartley and James Anderson, a stroke of luck that proved pivotal. Responding to the pressure, Gill capitalized once Anderson was off the attack, taking on the English spinners aggressively. The young batter reached his maiden fifty in 13 innings and went on to convert it into a well-deserved century.
Expressing his delight at Gill’s outstanding performance, former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh took to social media to praise the young talent and respond to his critics. “Rising to the occasion once again and playing a well-balanced knock! Good to see the three-digit mark. Well played, my boy – let the bat do the talking,” said Yuvraj.
Gill’s century, contributing to India’s total of 399 runs in the second Test, not only showcased his batting prowess but also underlined the resilience and determination of the young cricketer. The innings could be a turning point in Gill’s career, proving that he is more than capable of handling the pressures and challenges that come with international cricket.
