During Day 1 of the 2nd Test, the stump mic captured Rishabh Pant advising Shubman Gill on running between the wickets.
Intimate Stump Mic Moment: Gill and Rishabh Pant Batting Strategy
As Shubman Gill’s resilient century and Rishabh Pant’s brief aggressive innings unfolded, the stump mic at Edgbaston captured a moment that clearly revealed the on-field dynamics during India’s first innings. Amid shifting momentum and a softening ball, the two batsmen recalibrated their approach together, showing how India’s batters adapted after the collapses that haunted them in the first Test.
“Let’s decide on the call. Don’t pre-decide anything. We’ll make the call together,” Pant was heard telling Gill during their time at the crease. This conversation came after Pant noticed the ball had lost some hardness and wasn’t carrying well through the off-side, making quick singles riskier.
Gill, at the striker’s end, seemed to agree with this observation, signaling they wouldn’t push for sharp singles. But Pant, instinctive as ever, cautioned against jumping to conclusions. His message: make the call in the moment, but don’t pre-determine the outcome.
Gill’s century
Shubman Gill faced pressure following team selection decisions, especially after pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was rested. However, the captain played a determined innings, hardly making any mistakes while confidently wearing down the England bowlers with controlled strokes.
Gill took 199 balls to reach his seventh Test century—his slowest yet—but it was a commanding knock given the situation. He finished the day unbeaten on 114, with Ravindra Jadeja (41 not out) by his side at stumps. India ended Day 1 at 310/5, and the pair will be aiming to avoid a repeat of the previous Test’s lower-order collapse after a strong start.
