Laxman backs Shubman Gill to open in WTC final

Mumbai: Young opener Shubman Gill is looking in good rhythm and should continue to open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, Former India batsman VVS Laxman said on Tuesday. Virat Kohli-led India takes on New Zealand in the all-important World Test Championship final at Southampton from June 18. “Well, I would like continuity. I think Shubman Gill is a wonderful talent, he has shown what he is capable of doing under pressure,” Laxman said in a virtual press conference organized by official broadcasters’ Star Sports. “So, I would back Shubman Gill and also in the intra-squad match, he scored an 80 plus score, so that means he is in good rhythm, his rhythm is untouched here, so I would still back Shubman Gill to open with Rohit Sharma. “India is fortunate to have Mayank Agarwal again on the bench, who also has done well in Test match cricket, but at the moment, I would back Shubman Gill to open with Rohit in this Test match,” added the 46-year-old Hyderabad-born batsman.