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Key Points

Sanjay Manjrekar remains confident in Shubman Gill's ability to bounce back after a quiet Lord's Test. The former cricketer believes Gill's proven run-scoring ability will shine again in Manchester. Despite India's top-order struggles, their batting depth keeps them competitive. The fourth Test is crucial as England leads the series 2-1.

Key Points: Manjrekar Backs Shubman Gill to Bounce Back in England Test Series

  • Manjrekar defends Gill despite Lord's struggles
  • Gill has 607 runs in the series so far
  • Break between Tests could help him reset
  • India's batting depth reduces reliance on Gill
2 min read

He just needs to focus...run-making machine will start again: Manjrekar lauds Gill ahead of Fourth Test against England

Sanjay Manjrekar believes Shubman Gill will regain form in the 4th Test against England, calling him a "run-making machine."

"He just needs to focus...the run-making machine will start again – Sanjay Manjrekar"

New Delhi, July 19

Team India may have narrowly lost the third Test at Lord's, but the mood in the camp remains optimistic as the players gear up for the fourth match in Manchester on July 23. One name that continues to dominate conversations both for his leadership and batting is Shubman Gill. The young captain has shown promise, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes Gill is capable of bouncing back with a strong performance.

Manjrekar addressed Gill's lean outing at Lord's, where the right-hander managed just 16 and 6 in the two innings. Gill arrived at Lord's with three centuries, turned one of them into his career best 269.

"His role is important, but India will also reflect on the fact that in the third Test match at Lord's, there was no contribution from Gill with the bat. Despite that, India's batting line-up still managed to challenge England. So, that's a good takeaway -- we are not completely dependent on Gill," he said on JioHotstar.

Gill's overall record in the series speaks volumes. The young opener has already scored 607 runs, with two Tests still to go. Manjrekar feels the break between matches will help the captain reset and return stronger.

"I believe he has the ability to carry forward his form," Manjrekar said.

"During this break, perhaps with some introspection and conversations with his friends and father about the recent altercation. He just needs to focus on his captaincy, fielding, tactics, and batting. If he does that, I believe the run-making machine that was once in motion is well-oiled and will start running again at Old Trafford," he added.

The third Test at Lord's was a close contest, one India could have won with a little more support from the top order. With England now leading the five-match series 2-1, the upcoming Test in Manchester becomes all the more crucial.

India's squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Manjrekar is right but I'm worried about the pressure on Gill. Captaincy + opening + expectations - that's too much for any young player. Maybe they should give KL Rahul a chance to open in next Test?
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Aryan P
607 runs in series is no joke! England bowlers have figured out his weakness against the moving ball. Hope Dravid works with him before Manchester Test. #IndvsEng
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Sarah B
As a neutral cricket fan, Gill's technique is beautiful to watch when in flow. But he needs to work on his patience - tries to dominate too early sometimes. That's what cost him at Lord's.
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Vikram M
Yaar, why so much pressure on one player? Cricket is team game! Our middle order saved us at Lord's. Let's appreciate that too. Gill will come good, he's our future captain material.
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Kavya N
Everyone has off days...even Kohli had bad phases. Gill's record speaks for itself. Manchester pitch might suit his style better. Fingers crossed for big innings 🤞

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