A 70-80 run partnership, put bowlers under pressure: Shubman Gill explains India’s mantra

India No. 3 batsman Shubman Gill, who scored 90 to help India take a crucial 28-run lead, said that the team’s strategy on Sunday morning would be to stitch one good partnership of 70-80 runs in order to win the third and final Test.

New Zealand go into third day at 171/9 with a lead of 143 runs as India spinners Ravindra Jadeja (4/52) and R Ashwin 3/63 put them on the mat. The Kiwis were comfortably placed at 94/3 before losing five wickets for 56 runs.

Ajaz Patel and Matt Henry added 21 for the ninth wicket before Jadeja bowled the latter on what was declared the last ball of the day.

“It is all about having one good partnership. When you are chasing a total of 150 or 160, a partnership of 70-80 runs will mean the match is done and dusted. That is what the conversation will be,” said Gill, who was dropped by substitute fielder Mark Chapman when he was on 45.

Rishabh Pant, who made 60 and added crucial 96 runs with Gill for fifth wicket was also dropped.

“I think the conversation will be about having one good partnership of 70-80 runs. For the fielding side also, the body language drops after one good partnership,” said Gill to the media after the end of second day’s play.

Both Pant and Gill batted with attacking mindset and didn’t allow the Kiwi bowlers to settle who were taken by surprise. The duo brought India back after they had lost three quick wickets towards the end of the first day’s play.

“What we try to do on wickets (pitches) such as these, is put them under pressure and then not let them bowl in that good length area. When you put the bowlers under pressure, it is difficult for them to bowl in that area consistently. That is what we talked about,” added Gill.  

“The way Rishabh came in and started hitting those boundaries, they were not very consistent with their line and length in that session. That is why we were able to cash in.

“It was all about trying to put them under pressure. Like I said, if we are playing our shots then it is difficult for the bowlers to bowl in that area consistently.”

Tags : India, New Zealand, Cricket, Mumbai, 3rd Test, Wankhede, Ashwin, Jadeja, Gill, Pant