As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, cricket fans are debating whether the Indian team will miss players like Rahul Dravid or Cheteshwar Pujara, known for wearing down opposition bowlers with their grit and resilience. Both players were pivotal in past series wins against Australia, with Pujara famously enduring body blows from Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc during the 2018-19 and 2020-21 tours.
Rahul Dravid, former India captain and renowned for his iconic Test performances, addressed this question ahead of the series. Despite concerns about the current batting lineup, which struggled against spin during the recent 0-3 home loss to New Zealand, Dravid believes India doesn’t lack the grit once exemplified by himself and Pujara.
Rahul Dravid expressed confidence in Shubman Gill, who he believes has the potential to step into that role. He pointed out that Gill’s crucial knock of 91 at the Gabba during the 2020-21 series was instrumental in India’s historic victory, though often overshadowed by Rishabh Pant’s 89*.
“Well, they’ve got Shubman Gill, who is a terrific player. He had great success in Australia the last time. Everyone talks about Rishabh’s 80 [89], and rightly so, but Shubman’s 91 set the game up on that fifth morning,” Dravid told ESPNcricinfo.
Dravid also highlighted Gill’s unique style of play. “He’s a fine, fine player, a great kid, and he’s learning. He bats differently compared to me and Pujara but is still a very, very good player,” he added.
India’s batting unit has come under fire for failing to adapt under challenging conditions, with criticism aimed at their inability to grind out long innings. However, Dravid’s endorsement of Gill suggests confidence in the young batter’s ability to thrive in the high-pressure series against Australia.
