Duleep Trophy 2024: Why is Shubman Gill wearing taped-up jersey?

India A captain Shubman Gill is wearing a taped-up jersey in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024 clash against India B at M Chinnswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. It has been understood that the cricketer didn’t have access to his usual ‘77’ jersey, which is why he decided to play with a taped-up jersey. 

Alternatively, he might have borrowed a teammate’s jersey and decided to tape up the number to avoid confusion. Notably, the youngster has a special affection for number seven as he donned that number in the U19 World Cup. Later, he wanted to sport number seven in senior-level cricket as well but since it was unavailable, he settled for number 77.

Also Read: Duleep Trophy 2024: Shubman Gill takes magnificent catch to dismiss Rishabh Pant on Day 1

Meanwhile, Gill’s captaincy is also under the scanner in the Duleep Trophy. India A started brilliantly with the ball as the Abhimanyu Easwaran-led side was reduced to 94/7. However, since then, Musheer Khan and Navdeep Saini took control of the situation and stitched a valuable partnership that bailed India B out of trouble.

Akash Deep, Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed, who were brilliant in the first two sessions of Day 1, looked lacklustre in the final session and that put pressure on India A. Kuldeep Yadav too failed to impress. Meanwhile, Gill, who took a sensational catch to dismiss Rishabh Pant on Day 1, looked clueless for a long period. Musheer and Navdeep never looked in trouble, and following this, Gil’s captaincy has been questioned.

The bowlers also didn’t try enough short balls against the batters. Gill will now have to step up and motivate his bowlers to get going and wrap up India B early, who are well in control of the match.

Youngster Musheer Khan meanwhile completed 150 runs on Day 2 of the Duleep Trophy. He looked flawless in the middle as his brother Sarfaraz Khan gave him a standing ovation after reaching the milestone. He was also seen advising Musheer to stay on the crease for a long time.