"I’m not going to look too much into Brisbane” - Rohit Sharma speaks for struggling Indian batter ahead of BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Team India skipper Rohit Sharma defended young batter Shubman Gill over his lack of big scores in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series ahead of the crucial fourth Test in Melbourne, starting December 26. After missing the series opener in Perth due to an injury, Gill played the last two Tests in Adelaide and Brisbane.

Despite looking solid in both innings of the Adelaide outing, the 25-year-old was dismissed for 31 and 28. Gill then played an ill-advised drive in the Brisbane game to be dismissed for one run off three deliveries.

The stylish batter has promised plenty in his Test career but struggled to maintain consistency, evidenced by his overall Test average of under 36 in 31 matches.

Talking about Gill at the press conference ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Rohit said (via Sports Express):

"Shubman, both innings Adelaide I thought he looked good. Am not going to look too much into Brisbane. Gill has been one of our young prospect playing well. These tours can be challenging same as they travel to India. He's Quality, just about backing his strength."

He added:

"Getting in here is toughest and when you get in you have to make it count. Who bats where is something we discuss among us. Whatever it takes to make our team look good and give us the best chance we will do that."

After a promising debut series in Australia in 2020-21, Gill has averaged only 17.07 in Tests in SENA countries. Yet, the right-handed batter has performed considerably better this year, averaging 43.30 with three centuries and as many half-centuries in 12 matches.

"Only two-three games, not to judge quickly" - Rohit Sharma on Rishabh Pant's form in BGT 2024-25

BORDER GAVASKAR TROPHY TEST: DEC 16 third NRMA Insurance Test - Source: Getty

Rohit Sharma dismissed any concerns about wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's poor returns thus far in the ongoing Australian series.

After playing a pivotal role in India's series victory in 2020-21, much was expected out of Pant in Australia this time around. However, the 27-year-old has scored only 96 runs at an average of under 20, with no half-centuries in the ongoing series.

"Pant is in good form recently. Only two three games, not to judge quickly. They know what to do. They are all on same boat. You don't have to complicate what they do. They are aware of what's expected. All we have to do is talk about small things," Rohit said in the same press conference.

The skipper voiced his support for the young batters in the side, saying:

"See, as I told you, all these youngsters - Rishabh, Gill, Jaiswal, all these youngsters are in the same boat. We don’t want to complicate what they are doing. They know what they are expected to do. Our job here is to keep talking to them about small, small things like match awareness. I don’t think we need to tell them more and complicate stuff."

With the five-match series tied at 1-1, Team India will hope for the young guns to deliver with the bat, as they look to win a third consecutive Test series in Australia.