Duleep Trophy: Shubman Gill To Open Batting Against Team B, Prasidh Krishna Unavailable

Shubman Gill, the captain of Team ‘A' in the Duleep Trophy round one, has confirmed that he will open the batting against Team ‘B', starting on Thursday. He added that India pacer Prasidh Krishna will not be available for the first round game to be held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Krishna underwent surgery on February 23 this year on his left proximal quadriceps tendon and has been on rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He didn't even play in the recent Maharaja T20 Trophy, where his team Mysuru Warriors eventually won the title.

“This (Duleep Trophy) is a big tournament as every match is important for us. We are playing against some players whom we generally play with in the Indian team. So, we will get to see a good competition. I will be opening here, and the wicket looks quite good.”

“There is some grass on the wicket. Hopefully, on Day 3 and 4, the spinners will get some help. But initially, it looks like there will be some help for the fast bowlers. The playing eleven has not been decided yet. He (Prasidh) is not available for the first match,” said Gill to reporters in Bengaluru.

In 25 Tests, Gill has made 1492 runs at an average of 35.52. Despite amassing 452 runs in nine innings during this year's Test series against England and averaging 56.50, Gill remarked he is yet to be satisfied with his performances in the longer format.

“I haven't reached my best expectations so far in Tests, but we have 10 Test matches ahead of us. So, hopefully, after these 10 Test matches are over, I'll be able to meet my expectations.”

India are set to play five Tests at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand before heading over to Australia to play five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gill, who bats at number