'Don't forget, Pujara is waiting' - Ravi Shastri sends timely reminder to youngsters as Shubman Gill throws away yet another start in IND vs ENG 2nd Test

Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri has given a timely reminder to the youngsters to make every opportunity count. Though his 'warning bell' didn't single anyone out, it was directed to Subhman Gill after the right-hander yet again threw away his start during the first innings of India vs England second Test in Vishakpatanam. 

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Last year this time, Gill had a dream run across all formats of the game. He was scoring runs and centuries for fun. However, since his recovery from dengue during the ODI World Cup, the 24-year-old has not been the same batter. Having struggled to find runs for some time now, his place in the Indian Test team is under serious threat.

Despite getting off to a good start, the right-hander often fails to convert it into a big score. The same scenario was witnessed on Day 1 of the second Test against England. He looked in fine touch en route to his 34 off 46 balls but failed to capitalize. A tentative stroke against pacer James Anderson outside the off-stump channel resulted in the ball brushing his bat's edge. Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes made a brilliant dive to give England their second wicket of the day. 

These youngsters have to prove themselves: Ravi Shastri 

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Gill started his Test career as an opener but lost his place to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is having a tremendous journey at the top. The Punjab-born cricketer is currently playing at No.3, where the veteran cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara used to bat. Meanwhile, former India all-rounder Shastri reminded the youngsters that Pujara is eyeing his comeback with sensational performances in the Ranji Trophy.

"It's a fresh side, a young side. These youngsters have to prove themselves. Don't forget, Pujara is waiting. He is grinding it out at the Ranji Trophy and is always in the radar," Shastri said on air while doing commentary for IND vs ENG 2nd Test. 

India's Test specialist Pujara last played a Test for India in the final of the World Test Championship. He was dropped along with Ajinkya Rahane owing to some poor performances. However, the 35-year-old is not ready to give up and has been consistently making a statement on the domestic circuit for Saurashtra. If the youngsters, primarily Gill, fail to establish themselves, the selectors may go back to experienced campaigners.