[Watch] Shubman Gill returns to nets ahead of 2nd IND vs AUS Test of BGT 2024-25

Team India's top-order batter Shubman Gill, who was ruled out of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series opener in Perth, has returned to practice. The 25-year-old sustained a thumb injury during an intra-squad match simulation.

Gill seems to be recovering well. He returned to the nets ahead of the visitors' two-day practice match against Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. He was recently seen sweating it out in the nets, indicating that he could be available for the second Test.

In Gill's absence, left-hander Devdutt Padikkal batted at No. 3 during the Perth Test. The southpaw registered scores of 0 and 25.

The Jasprit Bumrah-led Indian side dominated Australia in the series opener. With their comprehensive 295-run victory, they became the first side to win a Test against Australia at the Optus Stadium.

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"It will become slightly easier for him" - Cheteshwar Pujara wants Shubman Gill to bat at No. 5 in BGT 2024-25

Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara believes Shubman Gill should bat at No. 5 in the 2024-25 BGT. He opined that the older ball will allow the player to play attacking shots.

Suggesting that batting in the middle order will be easier for Gill, here's what Pujara said on the Star Sports show Follow the Blues:

"When Shubman Gill comes into the team, if he bats at No. 5, the ball will be slightly old when his batting comes, and he can play his natural game. He plays a few attacking shots. So it will become slightly easier for him, and because of that, Rishabh Pant can come at No. 6, and batting there will become slightly easier for him as well."

The second Test of the five-match series between India and Australia will be a pink ball affair. The contest is set to begin in Adelaide from December 6.

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