India vs England: Why Gill Was Replaced By Sarfaraz On Day 4 Of Vizag Test

India’s opening batter Shubman Gill didn’t take the field on Day 4 of the second Test against England in Vizag and was replaced by substitute fielder Sarfaraz Khan. Gill had sustained an injury to his right index finger, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team to keep him away from fielding duties, with Sarfaraz coming in as his replacement. The same was informed by the Indian team to the match officials before the start of play on Monday.

With India’s batting over in both innings already, it wouldn’t be a big concern for the match if he doesn’t return to the field on Day 4. However, considering the batter returned to form in the match, the Indian camp would be hoping the injury isn’t too bad.

“Shubman Gill hurt his right index finger while fielding on Day 2. He won’t be taking the field today,” the BCCI posted on X ahead of the start of play on Day 4.

UPDATE: Shubman Gill hurt his right index finger while fielding on Day 2. He won’t be taking the field today.#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2024

Earlier on Day 3, Gill roared back into form with his third Test century, breaking free from a 12-inning long streak of poor scores and wasted starts.

While speaking at the post-day press conference, Gill said that it was important for him to score runs at the number 3 batting order after losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma early on day three.

“It was very important and very satisfying for me to be able to score runs at No. 3. And it felt pretty good, especially with the situation. We lost Yashasvi and Rohit [Sharma] bhai – they’ve been giving us really good starts at the top of the order. I think it was important for us to get a big lead and to be able to get as many runs as possible,” Gill said after the end of the day’s play on Sunday.

The 24-year-old added that he did not take any pressure after his recent low-scoring performance in previous Test matches.

“I think that’s part and parcel of the game. You do well and everybody’s going to applaud you. You don’t do well, everybody’s doing to… But I think the important thing is to be able to know what you’re going to do when you go into bat. I’m someone who likes to see the situation, play according to the situation and take chances and I think play percentage cricket,” he added.

“It’s very important to stay true to who you are and how you’ve got runs. Sometimes when you’re trying to be over-defensive or over-aggressive and try to be something that you’re not, then you are prolonging those innings and you’re sometimes not able to get out of that shell. And that was my thinking going into this Test match. I’m going to play the way I’ve played before,” he added.

Gill eventually lost his wicket to England debutant Shoaib Bashir while attempting to play a reverse sweep shot in the 56th over of India’s second inning on Sunday.

With ANI inputs