Tamim Iqbal Praises Shubman Gill's Calmness After Century in First Test Against Bangladesh

Former Bangladesh batter Tamim Iqbal lauded Shubman Gill's calm demeanor during his century in the first Test at Chennai. Centuries by Gill and Rishabh Pant propelled India to set a formidable 515-run target. Contributions from Ashwin and Jadeja also played a crucial role in India's commanding position.

Former Bangladesh batter Tamim Iqbal hailed Indian batter Shubman Gill for his "calmness" during his century against Bangladesh in the first Test at Chennai on Saturday. Centuries from Gill and Rishabh Pant helped India set a massive 515-run target in the first Test at Chennai. The two future batting stars for India dismantled the Bangladeshi bowling attack with some ruthless hitting, continuing their excellent form in the long format.

Speaking on JioCinema, Tamim said, "I think there is a calmness towards him. Even after reaching the hundred, whatever balls he faced, there was always a calmness. He played some excellent shots and a lovely innings. Yes, they are talking about Rishabh Pant, but Gill's batting was equally impressive." In 26 Tests, Gill has scored 1,611 runs at an average of 37.46, with five centuries and six fifties. His best score is 128.

This year, Gill has been performing well in the long format after a couple of years of inconsistency. In seven Tests and 13 innings, he has scored 617 runs at an average of 56.09, with three centuries and two fifties, with his best score being 119*. He has excelled at the number three spot, having taken over Cheteshwar Pujara's position. In 11 Tests and 19 innings, he has scored 737 runs at an average of 46.06 with three centuries and two fifties.

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first. The top-order collapsed, leaving India at 34/3. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant stitched a 62-run partnership, bringing India back into the game. After being reduced to 144/6, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja's 199-run partnership helped India reach 376 in 91.2 overs. Hasan Mahmud took 5/83 for Bangladesh, while Taskin Ahmed took three wickets for 55 runs. In their first innings, Bangladesh was bowled out for 149 runs, trailing by 227 runs.

In their second innings, India once again lost their top-order quickly but centuries from Gill and Rishabh Pant helped them reach 287/4 before declaring. Bangladesh was set a massive 515 to win. They had a promising start with openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam putting up a 62-run stand. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto held the innings together as Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah took crucial wickets. At the end of day three, Bangladesh was 158/4, with Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan unbeaten.

(With inputs from agencies.)