The Indian Test captain began his innings with a blast. Sri Lanka was defeated by an innings and 222 runs in the first Test played in Mohali recently. India’s batting order was quite fresh for cricket watchers after big guns like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane were ousted from the Test team. In the third inning, Hanuma Vihari stepped up in place of Rahane, while Shreyas Iyer replaced Rahane.

Shubman Gill was a notable absentee from the playing XI. The team management had to choose between Mayank Agarwal and Gill as KL Rahul was not available for the series. Many thought that Gill would get the chance because Agarwal struggled against South Africa earlier this year, but the team management chose Agarwal. ”It has been more than two months since Gill played cricket. In order to play for India, he did not even play the Ranji Trophy, so he needs some sort of practice. His talent is undeniable, no question about that. In the end, it comes down to form,” Gavaskar stated during a recent press conference.

”When India plays at home, Mayank Agarwal always scores big. The Indian bats like a boss but fails to score overseas. A big hundred or a double century is the least he has in his home series. It’s a must for him to open,” Gavaskar concluded.