Ahead of the second Test against England, India captain Shubman Gill acknowledged the need for improvement in the team's lower-order batting, admitting it often falls short in comparison to other sides.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Gill said, “It's something we frequently discuss—our lower-order batting doesn't always measure up to what other teams manage to contribute down the order.”
Reflecting on his own performance in the first Test, where he scored 147, Gill expressed some regret over not converting it into an even bigger total in partnership with Rishabh Pant.
“Looking at it differently, I was on 147 when I got out, and maybe I could have added 50 more runs with Rishabh. If you get out to a good ball, that’s acceptable—but the way I was dismissed, there was room for more,” he said.
Gill further stressed the importance of the top order stepping up, especially when the lower half of the batting line-up lacks depth. In such situations, he believes the top batters must shoulder greater responsibility.
“When you're well set and aware that your batting depth is limited, the top order needs to bat the opposition out of the game. That’s one way of looking at it. But when your last five or six batters aren’t contributing much, it gives the opposition an opening to bounce back,” he added.