Has Shubman Gill's Batting Reached New Heights?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sourav Ganguly acknowledges Shubman Gill's significant improvement.
- Gill's exceptional 147 runs against England.
- India scored 471 runs, with three centurions.
- England's strong response with a 103-run partnership.
- India's late collapse from a dominant position.
New Delhi, June 21 (NationPress) Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has praised Shubman Gill for his exceptional recent performances, noting a significant enhancement in the young batter's skills. This was particularly evident during his outstanding knock of 147 against England in the initial Test of the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Headingley, Leeds.
India posted a total of 471 in 113 overs, with captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal each achieving centuries. The newly appointed skipper appeared in complete command before his dismissal, effectively addressing concerns regarding his performance in overseas conditions.
“They are performing admirably, especially Shubman Gill; his batting has seen remarkable improvement, which is encouraging. However, it’s premature to draw conclusions as today is only the second day. The outcome will depend on England's performance in their first innings,” stated Ganguly in an interview with IANS on Saturday.
On Day 2 of the first Test at Headingley, England stood at 107/1 at tea, trailing India by 364 runs, primarily due to a solid 103-run partnership between Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope.
India began the day strongly but fell from a position of 430/3 to 471 all out, losing their final seven wickets for merely 41 runs. Josh Tongue played a pivotal role in this shift, securing 4/86, including critical wickets post-lunch.
Jasprit Bumrah made an early breakthrough, dismissing Zak Crawley with a remarkable delivery in the first over. Nevertheless, Duckett (53*) and Pope (48*) countered effectively, exhibiting confidence and fluidity in their play.
The duo capitalized on a dropped catch by Ravindra Jadeja that allowed Duckett a second chance at 15 and found scoring opportunities against Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, who struggled to exert pressure after Bumrah's initial spell.
Jadeja posed some threat with his turn and bounce, but Duckett swept him for a boundary to register his 14th Test half-century, contributing to the duo's century partnership. Pope also looked confident, beginning to justify his selection over Jacob Bethell.