Learnt to see off tough periods by watching Rahane bat: Shubhman Gill

 Young India batsman Shubman Gill says watching Ajinkya Rahane's "magnificent" hundred from sidelines was immensely educative for him and he learnt how t to get into a shell while facing a lethal bowling attack.

Stand-in skipper Rahane scored an unbeaten 104 in tough conditions to steer India to 277 for five against Australia on second day of second Test here.

"This kck was all about patience, more importantly when you are playing such a high quality pace attack, sometimes you get into shell and t able to score runs, and way Ajinkya bhai played, it was such a magnificent kck to watch from outside," Gill said during a virtual press conference.

"How to see off those tough periods, he me it sure that he put loose balls away." With Rahane going strong, India took a le of 82 runs and Gill said team will look to capitalise on it as batting will get more challenging from day three.

"On first day, re was a bit turn for (Ravichandran Ashwin) Ash bhai and (Ravindra Jeja) Jdu bhai and even today we saw re was turn for Nathan (Lyon) and as time goes on re will be more cracks and it will be more challenging for batsmen.

"So it is important to capitalise on this le that we have and get m all out as quickly as possible." Opening innings, Gill scored a 65-ball 45 on debut before he nicked an outswinger from Pat Cummins.

"When I came into bat, re was something in pitch, it was lively but only thing I told myself was that matter what was in pitch, I should be able to play my game," 21-year-old said.

"... I should be able to give my team a start as an opener, that was ideal situation and that was my hope.

"Overall I wanted to play with intent and build partnership which I did to some extent but I am t satisfied way I got out, it was last ball of Cummins' spell and it was a loose shot." Gill said facing a high quality Indian attack at nets while being with team was a confidence booster and it put him at ease when he faced first ball of his Test career.

"I have been travelling with team for last 4-5 Test series, it has helped me a lot," said Punjab batsman.

"I have been able to settle in team and to be able to play someone like Bumrah or (Mohammed) Shami bhai or Umesh bhai at nets, it is a huge confident booster for a youngster. And when I went into bat today I didn't feel like I am in a whole new place." Asked if he sees himself as an opener in Indian team, Gill said: "I don't have any certain plan, where ever team wants me to bat, I am happy to bat." Ravindra Jeja ded an unbeaten 104 runs with Rahane after coming into bat at 173 for 5.

"It was really good kck. It could be very easy to lose wickets and let opposition back into game and partnership between m was really important," Gill said. Gill said ahe of his debut he h a chat with he coach Ravi Shastri and batting coach Vikram Rathour which helped.

"... I h certain plans and certain expectations from myself. Before coming into this match I was talking with our batting coach and our he coach Ravi sir and we were talking about how I should approach match," he said. 

(Im Courtesy: AP)