'Don't forget, Pujara is waiting' - Ravi Shastri issues warning as Shubman Gill fails to capitalize another promising start in Vizag

In the last 12 months, Shubman Gill's cricketing journey has taken a stark turn. Once hailed as the 'Prince' after a string of remarkable performances, Gill is now grappling with a loss of form, evident in his recent struggles on the field. His 34-run innings against England in the 2nd Test hinted at an underlying issue in his batting, despite displaying good timing and shot execution.

Since recovering from dengue during the World Cup, Gill hasn't been the same force at the crease. Significant drops in high scores and an increase in low ones highlight his batting challenges. The team management's decision to shift him to number three, replacing the resilient Cheteshwar Pujara, appears to be a work in progress.

Former coach Ravi Shastri, without naming anyone, issued a timely reminder to the young players vying for a spot in India's playing XI. Although not explicitly directed at Gill, Shastri's mention of Pujara waiting in the wings suggests a call to action for the struggling batter. Shastri emphasized the need for the young players to prove themselves, with the experienced Pujara showcasing remarkable form in domestic cricket, consistently scoring runs for Saurashtra.

"It's a fresh side, a young side. These youngsters have to prove themselves. Don't forget, Pujara is waiting. He is grinding it out at the Ranji Trophy and is always in the radar," Shastri commented during his stint on commentary.

Despite the management's focus on young talent, Shastri highlighted the irreplaceable value of Pujara's experience, especially in home conditions. Gill's recent scores at number three underscore the challenges he faces, prompting Shastri to stress the importance of patience and adaptability in Test cricket.

"It's a Test match; you've got to stay out there. Otherwise, you’ll get into all sorts of problems. You’re going with those hard hands, reaching out at the ball. Especially with someone of Anderson’s class," Shastri added, shedding light on the intricacies of Test cricket.