In a gripping encounter during the first session on Day 4 of the third Test between India and England at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium, budding talent Shubman Gill came tantalizingly close to achieving a well-deserved century. However, his dreams were shattered by a run-out, leaving the youngster visibly distraught.
Unusual role: Shubman Gill playing second fiddle
In a surprising turn of events during the penultimate day of the third Test, Gill took on an uncharacteristic role of playing second fiddle to nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav, who was striking the ball well. Resuming his innings from an overnight score of 65, Gill’s focus was on ensuring India didn’t lose early wickets as he formed a budding partnership with Kuldeep.
Miscommunication between Gill and Kuldeep Yadav
Nevertheless, in a pivotal moment, a miscommunication between Kuldeep and Gill led to the latter’s heartbreaking dismissal just nine runs short of a well-deserved century. On the final ball of the 64th over, Kuldeep, attempting to take on Tom Hartley‘s delivery, could only manage to send the ball towards the mid-on region. Already far down the pitch, Kuldeep took a couple more steps, inadvertently encouraging Gill to go for the risky single.
Ben Stokes’ precision
England skipper Ben Stokes, quick to collect the ball, unleashed a precise throw towards the non-striker’s end. Despite Gill’s valiant effort with a full-length dive, the untimely realization of the mishap and execution of the turn proved futile as wicketkeeper Hartley swiftly whipped off the bails, leaving Gill distraught and falling short of his well-deserved century.
Also READ: IND vs ENG: BCCI confirms R Ashwin’s return to Team India in Rajkot Test on Day 4
Gill’s unexpected run-out left fans in disbelief, with many taking to social media to express their frustration. Interestingly, some fans couldn’t help but roast Kuldeep for unintentionally contributing to the dismissal of Gill, who seemed poised for a remarkable innings
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Kuldeep Yadav, a night watchman, refusing to run at the other end & sacrificing Shubhman Gill in his 90s has to be most hilarious thing this morning.
This level of Self preservation shows insecurity in the team, as if their places are not secure & nobody wants to give an inch.
— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) February 18, 2024
Absolute heartbreak for Shubman Gill.Gill was playing so well,he deserves to get the 💯.
Kuldeep Yadav should have gone for it and sacrificed his wicket.He came as a nighwatch man and his job is to prevent the main batsman not to run out of them.Gill left the ground with a heavy… pic.twitter.com/v2aZwozx1r
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) February 18, 2024
A heartbreaking moment for Shubman Gill .
Kuldeep Yadav made the call for a single, and then declined to take it. pic.twitter.com/avDRdJ7nYN
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) February 18, 2024
Don’t think Kuldeep Yadav would have to put an Instagram story for the run-out of Gill
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) February 18, 2024
Kuldeep’s fault in calling, Gill should have watched the ball. Good lesson for both Gill and Sarfaraz to watch the ball and initiate their running.
— Billgates Billu (@ImBillu_) February 18, 2024
Shubman Gill and kuldeep yadav pic.twitter.com/RHa2FmmFkl
— Desi Bhayo (@desi_bhayo88) February 18, 2024
Kuldeep Yadav got out after facing exactly 91 deliveries. It’s his way of sympathizing with his teammate. ♥️
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) February 18, 2024
Kuldeep Yadav bro should’ve sacrificed his wicket. pic.twitter.com/Mgy1GY50DU
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) February 18, 2024
Kuldeep Yadav took the revenge of Rohit Sharma? 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/2RCvzDjhze
— 🐐 (@ItsHitmanERA) February 18, 2024
Kuldeep should have ran and crossed. Aadhe pitch pe thhe dono. Poor Gill.
— H (@LostMyAxe) February 18, 2024
The game awareness of many of our players is so bad. Okay, a mistake was made, the decent thing for Kuldeep to do was to sacrifice his wicket
— Vinod (@vnodkumar19) February 18, 2024
Jadeja To Kuldeep after Gill’s runout :- pic.twitter.com/Qlo5spv4ZI
— Pulkit (@PulkitK107) February 18, 2024
Also READ: IND vs ENG: Not Sehwag! Yashasvi Jaiswal reminds Ravi Shastri of this legendary Indian batter
