Shubman Gill reckons Bangladesh Tests will be an 'intriguing contest'

Shubman Gill said India won’t be taking Bangladesh lightly in the forthcoming two-match Test series, starting on September 19 in Chennai. Bangladesh have never beaten India in a Test match but are coming into this series on the back of a historic 2-0 whitewash over Pakistan.

"I don't think you can underestimate any international side. The kind of cricket Bangladesh has played in the last couple of months, especially in Pakistan, has been impressive,” Gill told JioCinema. 

“Their fast bowlers and the way their middle-order batters have absorbed pressure shouldn't be disregarded. So, I believe it will be an interesting and intriguing contest.”

The right-handed batter featured in the first round of the Duleep Trophy 2024, scoring 25 and 21 across two innings. Gill opened the batting for India A but will slot in at No.3 against Bangladesh. 

The 25-year-old started his Test career as an opener but has now shifted to No.3. In 17 innings at No.3, the batter has managed 618 runs at an average of 41.2, which is more than his average as an opener (32.37). 

“Quite often, when you're playing in a different position, everyone knows your potential, but you still have to prove yourself,” said Gill.

"In the initial matches when I played as number three, I couldn't perform well - against West Indies and South Africa. I was getting good starts, scoring 20s and 30s, but I wasn't able to convert them. 

"When I returned, I knew I had to turn these performances around. Moving forward, my goal is to convert my fifties into big hundreds.”

In the last Test series against England, Gill slammed 452 runs at an average of 56.5, studded with two centuries and as many fifties.

"That was a big confidence boost for me, especially after losing the first Test match. Quite a few players were unavailable, so there was pressure on us to win the series.

"I had never played five Test matches before, so it was a good experience and exciting to feel that intensity. Even after getting breaks following two Test matches, we never dropped that intensity.”

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.