Gill weighs in on WTC stakes and Shami’s absence for India
India skipper Shubman Gill opens up ahead of the two-Test series against South Africa.
Skipper Shubman Gill is aware that the upcoming home series against South Africa is vital for India’s ICC World Test Championship Final quest.
“These two Tests are really important for us in the race to secure a WTC Final spot,” Gill told reporters in Kolkata on the eve of the Test.
“South Africa are a really good side. They are the reigning champions of the World Test Championship. So, for us, we know it won't be easy. There will be difficult moments for us. But we have seen that as a team we have handled those really well.”
The Test series marks India’s third assignment in the ongoing WTC cycle, following a pulsating 2-2 series in England and a 2-0 sweep against West Indies last month at home.
Meanwhile the Proteas arrive on the back of a hard-fought drawn series in Pakistan. Gill, aware of South Africa’s recent exploits in the sub-continent, hailed the defending WTC champions.
“The way they have played their last series, they drew it. It's difficult for an overseas team to perform well in Asia. It'll be a good series.”
India currently sit third in the nine-team WTC standings, only behind Australia and Sri Lanka.
Bolstered by the early results under his captaincy reign, Gill believes India have a problem of plenty to choose from as they prepare for a formidable Proteas side.
“We're fortunate to have the quality of all-rounders that we possess. You can look at the record of any one of them. Axar Patel, Washington (Sundar) or Jaddu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja).
“Their bowling and batting record are really good, especially in India. As a captain, that makes it difficult to choose between them. They are all proper all-rounders.”
Meanwhile, despite the absence of veteran seamer Mohammed Shami, Gill backed the caliber of the fast bowling resources at his disposal.
“There aren't many bowlers of his (Mohammed Shami’s) quality around. But you have to take into consideration the bowlers that are playing right now.
“They have done such a terrific job. You can't ignore the performances of someone like Akash Deep or someone like Prasidh (Krishna).
“We all know what Siraj and Bumrah have been doing in Test cricket. And sometimes, it's very difficult when players like Shami have to miss.
But I think it's important for us to see where we are playing the next series and plan ahead with what kind of fast bowlers that can give us the best chance. Especially when we are touring New Zealand or other foreign countries.”
India and South Africa will lock horns in the first Test starting November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
