Shubman Gill's Sacrifice to Stop Rishabh Pant: Did it Cost Him a Spot in India vs Bangladesh Test?

Everything unfolded in the 36th over of the India B innings. Akash Deep, the pacer for India A, delivered a length ball just outside the off stump. Pant, who was playing his first red-ball match in almost 21 months, had the desire to execute a lofted shot. The opportunity was there as there were no fielders in the deep, but unfortunately, his choice of shot was not the best. Rather than aiming straight over the bowler's head in line with the delivery, Pant opted to flick it towards the on side, resulting in a leading edge.

Gill, who was standing at mid off got his head down and ran backwards. It was always going over his head but the talented right-hander flung his body to hold on to a brilliant catch. However, there were immediate concerns in the India A camp as Gill grimaced while holding his shoulder. The impact of the landing may have jarred his shoulder.

Thankfully, he got up without any medical assistance. He is not only the captain of the India A side but is also the No.3 of India's Test line-up. Gill will be important to India's success as they begin the home season with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh on September 19.

Pant, on the other hand, would be a tad disappointed with the shot he played. He is expected to get his spot back in the Test XI irrespective of his performance in the Duleep Trophy, but a good outing in the middle would hold him in good shape before India starts their bid to advance to the third consecutive World Test Championship final.

“I think it is very important for us to play domestic cricket because, as a cricketer, match practice is always very important. Especially coming back to domestic cricket, the youngsters also learn a lot of things from us, they see you playing here, even after playing international cricket. There is a lot to give back to domestic cricket. It also gives us the opportunity to share all the learnings and experiences from international cricket with our colleagues, especially with the young players and newcomers; it gives them a huge boost since we all have reached here from playing domestic cricket," Pant had said before the start of play.