Shubman Gill, on November 2 (Saturday), missed out on his sixth Test century by just 10 runs but the right-handed batter has termed this innings as one of the “better knocks” of his Test career. Coming in at No.3, Gill crafted 90 off 146 deliveries to help India gain a minor but important lead of 28 in the third and final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai.

“It’s one of the better knocks I have played in Test cricket. Leading up to this Test match, it was all about me working on the areas I have worked on before,” said Gill, who hit seven fours and a six on a surface that has been assisting spinner since the start of the Test.

“In the England series, I was batting at my best against spinners, so just to be able to go back into that mindset and what my positions were while playing spinners then. That’s what I was trying to replicate before this match.

“I didn’t get that much time in the nets before the Pune Test match. I got two net sessions. I like to have long practice sessions so that I feel confident about it. The conversation with the coach was just having more repetitions on what I think is the best idea for me to be able to play spin.”

Talking more about his knock, Gill added: “I was honestly trying to have fun. I love batting, if I try to think of it as just going out there and having another opportunity to bat for the maximum amount that I can, that is what I was thinking,” he said.

Also read – Skill, temperament & grind: Gill continues to take giant strides at No.3

“I was not trying to put too much pressure on myself thinking I have to score these many runs. I was trying to have fun in the middle and enjoy that moment, even if it was difficult.”

India lost three wickets in the last 15 minutes of day one but Rishabh Pant managed to put the pressure back on New Zealand in the first hour of day two. The wicketkeeper-batter slammed 60 off 59 deliveries and added 96 runs for the fifth wicket alongside Gill.

“When you put the bowlers under pressure, it is difficult for them to bowl in that area consistently and that’s what we talked about. The way Rishabh came in and started hitting those boundaries, in that particular session they were not very consistent with their line and length so that’s how we were able to cash in,” said Gill, who now has 925 runs in 24 innings at No.3 at an average of 44.05.

The Black Caps have managed to get a lead of 143 in the second innings but only have one wicket remaining. Now, India have already lost the series but a win here in Mumbai will give them a decent chance of qualifying for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next year.

“It’s all about one good partnership. When you are chasing a total which is around 150-160, if you have one good partnership of 70-80 runs, the match is done and dusted,” he said.

“That is what the conversation will be among the batters, to have one good partnership. For the fielding team, once there is a 70-80 run partnership when you are chasing 150, the body language of the opposition also drops.

“Each and every match that we play is going to determine if we are going to make it into the World Test Championship, so every match that we play, we are going to come with our full intensity and play it as best as we can.”

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out on our content — big time. Download the App here.