'It motivated me further to put a price on my wicket..': Shubman Gill reveals what triggered his centurion knock in Chennai Test

India's star batter Shubman Gill made a strong comeback in the second innings with a splendid century after falling for a duck in the first in the opening Test against Bangladesh. Gill's stunning century (119 off 176) on Day 3 of the Chennai Test etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket. On a day when the pitch provided minimal assistance to bowlers, Gill's century was a testament to his resilience, technique, and unwavering spirit. His innings, which not only amassed runs but also showcased his exceptional temperament and batting prowess, truly living by the tag of ‘Prince of cricket' given to him by his fans.

ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah tops bowling charts, becomes highest wicket-taker of 2024 during IND vs BAN 1st Test

Shubman Gill roars with a splendid century

The Punjab-based star batter century against Bangladesh marked his 12th international century across formats. This achievement propelled him past Pakistan's Babar Azam in the list of batsmen with the most centuries in international cricket since 2022. Gill now leads the chart with 12 centuries, while Babar Azam is at 11. Gill's century against Bangladesh was particularly significant as it was his third Test century in a calendar year. Earlier in the series against England, he had already registered two Test centuries in February and March. This feat highlights Gill's exceptional form and consistency in Test cricket.

Thanks to centurion knocks from Gill and Rishabh Pant (109), India posted a colossal target of 515 runs for Bangladesh to chase. In reply, Bangladesh were left reeling at 158/4 at the end of Day  3, dented by R Ashwin's fiery three-fer.

What motivated Gill to crack a ton in Chennai Test?

After the conclusion of Day 3, in the press conference, Gill revealed what it felt like batting at number 3 and what exactly motivated him to smash a century.

“Batting at no.3 was rewarding. The series against England gave me lot of confidence. It was a long time coming, batting in that particular position. Having gotten out the way I had in the first innings, I was disappointed. It motivated me further to put a price on my wicket,” Gill said at the press conference.

 

ALSO READ: 'The day he realises that...': Ravi Shastri suggest KL Rahul to come with this mindset

 

Gill stitched a crucial 137-run partnership with Pant to rally India from 67/3 to 234/3. However, right then Pant's stay at the crease came to an end after his 128-ball knock. Gill also said that it gives him pleasure batting with Pant.

 

“I have spent a lot of time with Rishabh on and off the field. I have seen him score the fifty and hundred after the comeback. It gives me pleasure. He must be feeling very good,” Gill added.

 

On bat routine

 

“I told Rishabh to not punch the bat because I was playing with an old bat. He was hitting my bat so hard and I told him I was saving my bat. If he did not middle the ball while in the middle, he would tell let us do it again. I told him to calm down,” Gill concluded.

 

MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Under-fire Shreyas Iyer finally delivers after recording back-to-back ducks in Duleep Trophy 2024, responds in style with quickfire fifty

Rishabh Pant creates history, breaks MS Dhoni's record with century in IND vs BAN 1st Test

'He is not enjoying batting in India...': Ex-India cricketer compares Virat Kohli with Sachin Tendulkar amid poor Test outing vs Bangladesh

'I promised myself 4-5 years ago that...': R Ashwin opens up on his biggest secret of cricketing career during IND vs BAN 1st Test