Former India pacer Varun Aaron believes the spotlight will now fall firmly on skipper Shubman Gill as the fifth and final Test between England and India hangs in the balance at The Oval. With India aiming to level the series 2-2, Aaron has backed Gill to play a defining role with the bat on Day 3.
Speaking to JioHotstar, Aaron said that Gill will be crucial to India’s hopes after being dismissed for just 21 in the first innings via a run-out. The former pacer expects the India captain to avoid risky singles and take a more measured approach in the second innings. With 743 runs already in the series — the highest by any batter — Gill’s form and temperament, Aaron believes, could be the deciding factors in what has become a tightly fought Test match.
| Oval Test, Day 2 Highlights – Scorecard |
“I don’t think Gill will be taking any risky singles — that’s for sure. But I hope he plays just like he has throughout this series. He’s already broken multiple records and could even surpass Sunil Gavaskar’s tally in this series. If he gets a big one tomorrow, India can push for a lead of over 300 — and that would really tilt the game. The key will be how Gill bats — and I think he knows his role is central to India’s plans.” Aaron said.
India ended Day 2 with a slender yet significant lead of 52 runs, finishing at 75/2. After being bundled out for 224 earlier in the match, India’s bowlers — particularly Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, who took four wickets apiece — brought them right back into the contest. England’s early 92-run opening stand was quickly neutralized as they collapsed to a mere 247.
In the second innings, it was Yashasvi Jaiswal who once again brought India back into the spotlight, hammering a rapid 49-ball fifty to set the tone. However, India also lost KL Rahul and debutant Sai Sudharsan in the process, prompting the arrival of nightwatchman Akash Deep alongside Jaiswal at stumps.
The pressure on Gill will now be immense. With the Oval pitch beginning to show variable bounce and overhead conditions expected to favour seam bowling, his innings could serve as the spine of India’s push for a match-winning lead. Aaron stressed that if Gill can dig deep and produce another big knock, a lead in excess of 300 is not out of reach — a scenario that could decisively tilt the Test in India’s favour.
So far, India’s batting has been inconsistent through the series, with only sporadic contributions offering resistance. Karun Nair’s gritty 57 in the first innings was the lone standout before the bowlers turned the tide. But now, with Day 3 set to be pivotal, all roads lead to Shubman Gill — the man Aaron believes can turn potential into victory, and pressure into poise.
– Ends