They asked me where I wanted to bat, and I said I wanted number three: Shubman Gill

In a significant development for the Indian cricket team, the number three position, previously held by the esteemed Cheteshwar Pujara, is set to be filled by the talented young batter, Shubman Gill. Following Pujara's exclusion from the Indian Test side for the West Indies series, Gill has been given the opportunity to make his mark in this crucial batting position.

Having predominantly played at number three for Punjab in domestic cricket, Gill expressed his desire to the team management to bat in that position. Fortunately for him, the management agreed, and Gill is eager to consolidate the team's batting line-up from this key spot.

In a recent interview with host broadcasters ahead of the first Test between India and West Indies in Dominica, Gill revealed, "They (team management) asked me where I wanted to bat, and I said I wanted No. 3. It is a position where I want to consolidate." 

He also emphasized the value of his experience facing the new ball as an opener, which he believes will serve him well in his new role. “It is always good to play with the new ball. I have the experience with the new ball, and when you’re batting at No. 3, it is not very different although it is a little bit of a difference," Gill said.

The first Test witnessed the debut of another promising left-handed batter, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who opened alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma. India had a strong start, with the opening partnership putting the team at a solid 80 for no loss at the end of day one, trailing the West Indies by just 80 runs. The Indian team had earlier bowled out the West Indies for a mere 150 runs in their first innings.

Gill has already had an outstanding year in 2023, displaying his prowess with notable performances, including a double century in ODIs, a maiden T20I century, and finishing as the top run-scorer in IPL 2023 with three hundred.

Reflecting on the break the team enjoyed after the WTC final, Gill expressed his enjoyment of spending time with his family and relishing the opportunity to explore new cricketing destinations such as Barbados and Dominica. The team also had ample time for training, preparing themselves for the challenges that lie ahead.

Rohit Sharma, in an earlier statement, said that Gill and debutant Jaiswal would occupy the number three and opening positions, respectively. Gill had discussed his preference with head coach Rahul Dravid, stating, "'I've played all my cricket at 3 and 4, I think I can do better for my team if I bat at No. 3.'" Rohit added, "It becomes good for us also, we got a left-hander. Indian cricket desperately needed a left-hander."