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Key Points

Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has expressed confidence in Shubman Gill's potential to make a significant impact in the final Test against England. Gill has been in exceptional form, scoring 722 runs with four centuries and approaching a historic captaincy record. Patel also praised KL Rahul's consistent performance throughout the series. The match at The Oval will see Dhruv Jurel likely replacing the injured Rishabh Pant behind the stumps.

Key Points: Gill's Record Quest Excites Parthiv Patel Ahead of Final Test

  • Gill has scored 722 runs with four centuries in the series
  • Just 11 runs away from breaking Gavaskar's captaincy record
  • KL Rahul maintains impressive batting consistency
  • Dhruv Jurel likely to replace injured Rishabh Pant
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Really hope Gill delivers another big contribution in crucial final Test, says Patel

Parthiv Patel backs Shubman Gill to continue his stellar form in crucial fifth Test against England at The Oval

Really hope Gill delivers another big contribution in crucial final Test, says Patel
"Hopefully, he continues this momentum. - Parthiv Patel"

New Delhi, July 30

Former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel said he is hopeful of skipper Shubman Gill delivering another huge contribution with the bat in the upcoming fifth Test against England, starting at The Oval on Thursday.

In four matches played so far, Gill has amassed 722 runs, including hitting four centuries at an average of 90.25. The right-handed batter is also 11 runs shy of surpassing Sunil Gavaskar's record of the most runs scored in a Test series as an Indian captain.

"Everyone would want him to maintain the kind of form he has shown. There were a lot of questions raised earlier in this series -- about his struggles in overseas conditions, where he wasn't getting runs or converting starts. But he has answered all those questions brilliantly. Hopefully, he continues this momentum.

"Even before this fifth Test match, people were talking, and that too after he had already scored 600 runs in the series. One bad Test at Lord's, and questions started coming up again. So, I really hope Shubman Gill delivers another big contribution in this crucial final Test," said Patel, who saw Gill as Gujarat Titans' assistant coach in IPL 2025, to JioHotstar.

Apart from Gill, senior opener KL Rahul has been a consistent run-scorer for India by making 511 runs at an average of 63.87. "I think the way KL Rahul has batted throughout this series has been impressive. In the past, we've often seen him start a series well but struggle to maintain that form.

"This time, however, he has shown remarkable consistency and batted with great responsibility. He also enjoys batting at The Oval -- remember, in 2018, he scored a brilliant hundred there alongside Rishabh Pant. So, I'm sure there's more to come from KL Rahul," added Patel.

With Rishabh Pant ruled out due to a fractured right foot, Patel has backed Dhruv Jurel to be in the playing eleven as wicketkeeper-batter. Whenever Pant was absent from keeping duties due to injuries, Jurel stepped in admirably as a substitute keeper.

"I don't think India will make any changes there. KL Rahul and Jaiswal have provided solid starts throughout the series, so there's no reason to alter that combination. I believe Dhruv Jurel will be the designated wicketkeeper. The only question is, at what number will he bat? But I'm certain we'll see him in the playing XI," concluded Patel.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While Gill has been brilliant, I think we're putting too much pressure on him before the final Test. Let's not forget KL Rahul's contributions - he's been the silent warrior this series!
R
Rohit P
Yaar, why do we always judge players by one bad match? Gill has 4 centuries already! Our media needs to stop this "one failure = crisis" mentality. Let the boy play freely!
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in London, I can't wait for the Oval Test! The Indian batting lineup looks solid. Hope Gill gets those 11 runs quickly and creates history. The atmosphere here is electric!
V
Vikram M
Parthiv Patel makes good points but I slightly disagree about Jurel. Bharat has better keeping skills and we're playing in England where every catch matters. Batting at 7, we need the best keeper.
K
Kavya N
Gill's technique against swing has improved so much since last England tour! His forward defense now looks as solid as Dravid's. So proud of our young captain 👏 Hope he leads us to series win!

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