Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill has emphatically dismissed any suggestion of a breakdown in communication between the national team’s management and the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. He asserts that a continuous dialogue has been maintained regarding the fitness status of players undergoing rehabilitation for various injuries. This clarification comes amidst concerns raised after three key players, initially slated for inclusion in India’s squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, were ultimately ruled out before the series even commenced.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the opening Test match, Gill underscored the close monitoring of player rehabilitation programs at the CoE. He acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Sai Sudharsan’s recovery, stating, “There is a constant communication with them. Unfortunately, Sai Sudharsan did not improve as much as we liked as we can’t take risks in Tests. But we are confident of our 15 (players).” This statement highlights the careful consideration given to player fitness, particularly in the demanding format of Test cricket.
Gill further elaborated on the rationale behind not rushing injured players back into the Test squad. He emphasized that the five-day nature of Test matches necessitates players being in peak physical condition, unlike shorter formats where a slightly compromised fitness might be manageable. “The Test match is for 5 days. If it’s one-day or T20, then it’s a different story. But in the Test match, you don’t want to take a risk,” he explained. He pointed out that Test matches offer players multiple opportunities to contribute, even if their initial performance isn’t stellar. “For example, if you don’t play well on the first day, you get another chance. So, the players have more chances to come back. So, keeping that in mind, we were a little disappointed (with Sai and Bumrah).”
Despite these setbacks, Gill maintained a positive outlook on the team’s morale and capabilities. He expressed confidence in the depth of the squad, believing that any player chosen for the final eleven, regardless of the conditions, possesses the ability to perform well and secure victory for the team. “But it didn’t affect the morale of the team that much that they didn’t get the first 11. I feel that whoever is in our 15 or whoever we give a chance in our playing 11 in any condition, they can play well and win the game,” he affirmed.
With Ravindra Jadeja set to be the sole all-rounder in the team as Washington Sundar continues his recovery from injury, Gill also voiced his support for young all-rounder Manav Suthar. He expressed optimism about Suthar’s potential contribution should he be given an opportunity during the series. Gill believes that with experience and confidence, which can only be gained through playing and scoring runs, Suthar has the ability to make a significant impact. “I think that’s where someone like Manav coming in. He’s got the ability with the bat. Of course, you need a bit of experience, you need some belief and confidence and that will only come once you’re out there playing, when you score some runs. And hopefully he does that in the series.”
