"Can’t be the same story every series" - Fans frustrated with Shubman Gill after eight-ball duck in IND vs BAN 2024 1st Test
Team India batter Shubman Gill's home season began on a disappointing note as he was dismissed for an eight-ball duck in the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The right-handed batter could not make an impression against the rampant Bangladesh pacers, and was dismissed by a stray delivery outside the leg stump.
Gill came into bat following Rohit Sharma's departure in the sixth over of the innings after India lost the toss. As the No.3 batter, Gill had a crucial role in surviving the initial onslaught by the pacers on a red soil track and overcast conditions.
The signs were ominous as Gill was beaten by a brilliant Hasan Mahmud delivery upfront. He fended off the remainder of the over, but was up against him in the eighth over again. After seven straight dot balls, Gill looked to get off the mark by dealing with a wayward delivery well outside the leg stump. However, while attempting the relatively routine flick shot, the ball made contact with the inside edge, leading to a simple take for Litton Das.
The fans were far from pleased with Gill's erratic display, extending his mixed run as a red-ball and No.3 batter in general. Here are some of the reactions on social media:
"Can’t be the same story every series," one fan remarked.
"Zak Crawley is better than Gill against a moving ball," another fan stated.
"What a terrible way to get out Gill," one tweet read.
Team India struggling in the first session as Kohli departs after Gill
Gill's dismissal reduced India to 28-2 in the eighth over, and the hosts' woes were compounded as Virat Kohli departed after scoring just six runs. Hasan Mahmud's memorable first spell resulted in India reeling at 34-3 after 10 overs.
As of writing, the left-handed duo of Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal are assessing the situation, with the former making his return to red-ball cricket after a lengthy absence. The Men in Blue are placed at 40-3 after 12 overs in the first session of the series opener.