Former England batsman Owais Shah confessed he was startled by India’s new Test skipper Shubman Gill’s run total in the upcoming Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. However, he expects experienced opener KL Rahul to outscore the Punjab batter in the future games.
Both KL and Shubman have been in outstanding form on the England tour, scoring runs in the opening three Tests. Gill leads the run scorers’ list, with 607 runs from three matches at an average of 101.17. Rahul, on the other side, has scored 375 runs in three games with an average of 62.50. While Gill failed in both innings of the third Test at Lord’s, Rahul has been remarkably consistent, scoring at least one 50-plus in each match.
Shah stated that everyone expected Gill to take the limelight after Virat Kohli withdrew from Test cricket, but KL Rahul has impressed him the most.
“I believe he has been in the shadow of Kohli. With Kohli at the crease, he was always going to be your key batsmen, while Rahul remained under the radar. But this is his opportunity to shine. This marks the first series sans Virat Kohli. Look at the batting order; Shubman Gill has done exceptionally well, and I was not anticipating that. “I didn’t think he had what it takes to do what he’s done so far,” Shah said on the Beard Before Wicket podcast.
“But I still believe KL Rahul is the finest batter in the batting lineup and should be relied on. And now it’s time for him to achieve the results that his technique and disposition promise. Over the course of 10-15 matches, I believe KL may just outscore Shubman Gill. I believe we will see him develop significantly over the coming year,” Shah remarked.
The five-match series is currently placed at 2-1 in favour of England. The fourth Test takes place at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, starting on Wednesday, July 23.
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