‘Cheteshwar Pujara’s contribution was immense’- Parthiv Patel muses on importance of 3rd batter in BGT

All poised to tackle a challenging task is Team India. In the eagerly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series, the team will visit Australia following their three-game Test series against New Zealand. When Australia and India square off in Perth on November 22, the main series will get underway.

Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel recently came forth to emphasise the significance of the number three batsman in the team amid the numerous debates surrounding India’s composition against Australia ahead of the series.

According to Patel, star batsman Shubman Gill of India may play a significant role in the Indian team’s BGT 2024–25 campaign. He emphasised the significant role Cheteshwar Pujara has had in the series and his performances throughout the years.

“Whenever India has performed well in Australia, the performance of the number three batsman has been crucial. For example, Rahul Dravid’s 2003–04 batting style and Cheteshwar Pujara’s enormous contribution in the previous two series India won there were both examples of this. As a result, No. 3 becomes a crucial position, Patel told Colours Cineplex.

“Shubman Gill has demonstrated his ability to score runs in Australia, despite the fact that all of those runs were scored as an opener. Rishabh Pant’s 89 runs are always mentioned when discussing the Gabba Test, which we won, but Shubman Gill also opened with 92 (91) runs. He said, “So he knows that he can bat under pressure.”

He is aware of his status as a senior player: Parthiv Patel

Patel also discussed Gill’s recognition that he will enter the forthcoming series against Australia as a senior player, supported by the demands placed on him.

His recent demeanour and manner of speaking indicate that he is aware that he is playing as a senior. It’s your second tour.

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Thus, the level of expectation will rise even more. No. 3 and No. 4 form the foundation. Therefore, he stated that it is expected of Shubman Gill to score a lot of runs when he bats at number three.