The proposal came from Shubman's end – Vikram Rathour on India’s decision to send Gill at No.3 in the first Test

India had a successful outing in the opening fixture of the ongoing Test series against West Indies as they got the better of the Islanders in a lopsided display of power. The two openers for India, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, went on to score centuries while an incoming Shubman Gill at No.3 had a rare stutter as he failed to impress in the first Test, falling for a paltry six.

Ahead of the first Test at Dominica, Rohit had said in a press conference that Gill would be coming to bat at number three as he confirmed the debut of Jaiswal, who after the game was awarded as the Player of the Match for his terrific 171-run knock. Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour, in a press conference, narrated what exactly went on in the dressing room before the decision was taken.

Rathour confirmed that ideally with three openers playing in the Indian side, someone had to come out at number three. Before one name could be confirmed, Gill readily volunteered for the position, knowing the perils of what is probably the most important position of a batting line-up in any format of the game.

He said, “Three openers were supposed to play, so one had to go at No. 3 and the proposal came from Shubman's end as his rationale was that he had played all his cricket for Punjab and India A at either No. 3 or 4 and that's his real slot in longer format is that.”

He further added, “We can't judge him on the basis of one innings. He has a lot of time. He has the technique and temperament to play time if required and can also play an attacking game when a move on is needed. He can move the game forward. That is what we need at No. 3 as it can be advantageous.”

Gill will be back in action this week as India prepares to launch another full-blown attack on West Indies with the second Test in Trindad set to commence on 20th July.