AUS vs IND: Abhishek Nayar reveals the REASON why India left Shubman Gill out of the Boxing Day Test

Shubman Gill was left out of India's playing XI of the MCG Test, and Washington Sundar was picked in his place instead.

AUS vs IND: Abhishek Nayar reveals the REASON why India left Shubman Gill out of the Boxing Day Test

Shubman Gill (Via X)

There has been a big decision made by the Indian team management on the first day of the Boxing Day Test match against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Shubman Gill, who has batted at number three in Test cricket since the WTC 2023 final, was left out of the XI, and Washington Sundar was given a place in the playing XI. India’s assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, cleared the air behind the decision that was taken.

At the end of the day, Nayar stated that Gill was left behind due to the team combination. Nayar added that he was not dropped, but they needed to play Sundar along with Ravindra Jadeja in this Test match.

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There have been a lot of talks since Gill, who is regarded as one of the best young batters going around, was left out of the MCG Test.

Looking at the pitch, we felt Washi could give solidarity along with Jaddu, I feel for Shubman, but he understands. He is not really dropped, he just couldn’t find his way into the combination.

Abhishek Nayar said as quoted by The Times of India.

Gill has been really out of form in the three innings that he has played in the ongoing BGT. He has scored 60 runs in those three innings at a dismal average of 20. His highest score is just 31 in this series.

Shubman Gill has not scored over 40 outside Asia since the last BGT 2020-21 in Australia

Gill has been really lacking consistency, as he has not scored more than 40 runs in a Test innings outside Asia since the Gabba Test match in 2021. He last scored a century during the Chennai Test against Bangladesh in September. The young batter has suffered technical issues while playing outside the subcontinent.

Shubman Gill has not scored over 40 outside Asia since the last BGT 2020-21 in Australia
Shubman Gill (Via X)

Meanwhile, Australia are somewhat in a dominant position after the end of Day 1. Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first. Australia ended the day at 311 for the loss of six wickets. The young debutant, Sam Konstas, thrilled the MCG crowd on the opening day as he took the attack to the Indian bowlers with his audacious and unorthodox shots. He scored 60 runs off 65 deliveries.

Usman Khawaja scored 57 runs off 121 balls, Marnus Labuschagne scored 72 runs off 145 balls, and Steve Smith is unbeaten on 68 runs from 111 balls. The pitch has looked good to bat on, but much of the momentum in the Australian innings was due to the start that the 19-year-old Konstas provided.