According to ex-national selector Devang Gandhi, Shubman Gill is the most promising option for India's number three spot in Tests. With Rohit Sharma debuting as captain in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, the Indian middle order is poised for a fresh start. The team is looking to transition away from veterans Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, positioning Shubman Gill and Hanuma Vihari as their long-term successors. It appears certain that the two senior players will be omitted from the three Tests scheduled for this season.
India has strong prospects in Gill, Vihari, and Shreyas Iyer, all of whom are eager to cement their places in the squad for years to come. Despite his time as an opener, the former Test opener argues that Gill possesses the specific skill set required for the number three role. Devang Gandhi, who was part of the selection committee in 2021, recalled that Gill's original training was focused on the middle order.
The 50-year-old former player suggests that the coaching staff will likely experiment with Gill at number three, especially given his dominant double-century performance against West Indies-A in that position. Gandhi highlighted Gill's proficiency with the new ball and his diverse range of shots, which can shift the game's momentum. Positioning Gill at number three allows him to keep the scoreboard ticking through his ability to rotate the strike effectively.
Gandhi also proposed a tactical shift for head coach Rahul Dravid: placing Vihari at number six and moving Rishabh Pant up to number five. This adjustment would provide a strategic advantage by creating a left-hand, right-hand batting partnership. The opening Test between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to start on March 4th.