Can Shubman Gill Deliver Another Major Performance in the Final Test?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shubman Gill has scored 722 runs in the series.
- KL Rahul has been a consistent performer with 511 runs.
- Dhruv Jurel is likely to replace Rishabh Pant.
- Gill is close to breaking Sunil Gavaskar’s record.
- The match will take place at The Oval.
New Delhi, July 30 (NationPress) Former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel expressed his optimism regarding skipper Shubman Gill making a significant impact with the bat in the essential fifth Test against England, which commences at The Oval on Thursday.
In the four matches played to date, Gill has accumulated 722 runs, which includes four centuries at an impressive average of 90.25. He is also just 11 runs away from breaking Sunil Gavaskar’s record for the most runs scored in a Test series by an Indian captain.
“Everyone is hoping he maintains the exceptional form he's displayed. There were several concerns raised earlier in this series regarding his performance in overseas conditions, where he faced difficulties in scoring and converting starts. However, he has brilliantly addressed all those doubts. I hope he continues this positive momentum.
“Before this fifth Test, discussions were already circulating, despite him having scored 600 runs in the series. Following one disappointing Test at Lord's, questions began to arise once more. Therefore, I sincerely hope Shubman Gill makes another substantial contribution in this pivotal final Test,” stated Patel, who served as the assistant coach for the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, during an interview with JioHotstar.
In addition to Gill, senior opener KL Rahul has been a reliable run-scorer for India, tallying 511 runs at an average of 63.87. “The way KL Rahul has performed throughout this series has been commendable. Historically, he has often started a series strongly but struggled to maintain that form.
“This time, however, he has displayed remarkable consistency and has batted with great responsibility. He has a fondness for batting at The Oval — remember his splendid century there in 2018 alongside Rishabh Pant? I’m confident that more runs are on the horizon for KL Rahul,” added Patel.
With Rishabh Pant sidelined due to a fractured right foot, Patel has endorsed Dhruv Jurel as the wicketkeeper-batter in the playing eleven. Whenever Pant has been unavailable due to injuries, Jurel has stepped up admirably as a substitute keeper.
“I don’t expect India to make any changes there. KL Rahul and Jaiswal have provided solid starts throughout the series, so there’s no reason to disrupt that combination. I believe Dhruv Jurel will be the designated wicketkeeper. The only uncertainty is his batting order. Yet, I am confident we will see him in the playing XI,” concluded Patel.