Prithvi Shaw doubtful for the 2nd Test, Shubman Gill likely to replace him

Prithvi Shaw, the right-handed young opener is currently on a tour to New Zealand where he recently played the 1st Test of the two-match series. However, he miserably failed to perform well and it was expected that he might come out with some strong performance in the 2nd game. But, there is a doubt over his availability for the 2nd Test due to an injury that might rule him out of the 2nd Test. Meanwhile, this will offer an opportunity to Shubman Gill to open the innings alongside Mayank Agarwal.

The right-handed young batsman from Mumbai was called as a replacement for injured Rohit Sharma, who was ruled out from the series due to a calf injury. There was a confusion on which player between Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw will open the innings for Team India. And, Indian skipper Virat Kohli picked Shaw for Wellington Test. However, his decision didn’t go well as Shaw could only muster 16 and 14 runs in two innings of the match. And, India lost that game by a margin of 10 wickets against BlackCaps.

Shubman Gill in line to make his Test debut if Prithvi Shaw is unavailable

It was expected that the young lad will come out with a good knock to shut down the critics. But, it looks like he might have to wait for another chance as he got a swollen foot due to which he didn’t attend the practice session on Thursday. As per the sources, he will undergo a blood test and his availability will be decided after the team management gets the medical reports. The final call is expected to be taken on Friday.

If by chance, Shaw is not available for the 2nd Test, then Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to open the innings alongside Mayank Agarwal. He is yet to make his debut in the longer format for Team India. If that happens, then all eyes will be set upon his performances as this is going to be a crucial Test for Virat Kohli and Co., who are already lagging in the series by 1-0 with ICC Test Championship points kept on the line.

At the moment, Team India is leading the charts in ICC Test Championship with 360 points followed by Australia and England on third and fourth positions.

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