The absence of Rohit Sharma from the Test squad is all set to open the gates for one of Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw for the opening spot. Shaw was leading the race to replace Rohit in the playing XI but an ODI call-up meant he could not play either of the two unofficial Test matches against New Zealand A.
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Gill made most out of the opportunity and smashed two back to tons (includes a double-century) to present his case and is undoubtedly leading the race now.
Speaking to reporters on the eve of the three-day practice match, Gill said that there is no competition between him and Shaw and added that it’s the team management’s call to pick Mayank Agarwal’s opening partner.
“Both of us have performed well in the opportunities that we have got. It depends on the team management who they will pick. So it’s not like there is a fight between us,” he said.
Both Gill and Shaw were part of the India U-19 World Cup-winning team in 2018. Shaw was the captain of the side while Gill was his deputy.
Shaw went on to make his Test debut against West Indies eight months after the triumph. On the other hand, Gill made his ODI debut against New Zealand in 2019. An injury to Shaw and then a ban on him saw Gill make it to the Test squad during the home season and he has retained his place so far.
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It can be said that he is leading the race to partner Mayank in the opening Test but the team management might take a final call after the practice match, which will serve as an audition for both the players.
It also remains to be seen if India go with two frontline spinners or will they only go just one spinner and an additional batsman.