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Sri Lankan legend Chaminda Vaas has heaped praise on India’s Test captain Shubman Gill ahead of the two-match Test series, starting on August 15 in Galle. Vaas believes that Shubman Gill has something special in his batting and could become India’s biggest Test player of this generation.
The India National Cricket Team has already arrived in Sri Lanka and won the warm-up match before the crucial two-match Test series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. Earlier, Shubman Gill warned of 'real test' on turning pitches before Sri Lanka Tests.
Chaminda Vaas picks Shubman Gill as India’s main batting hero post-Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma era
With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from the Test and T20I formats, India has entered a new era. But Chaminda Vaas does not see India becoming weaker. He believes the team still has a strong group of players, with Gill, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal leading the new batting unit.
Chaminda Vaas was quoted as saying by Revsportz: “Gill has been performing really well. KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal—I can name many. Even though Virat and Rohit are not there, India still has a powerhouse of talent. They have so many good, upcoming cricketers, eager to perform and waiting for their opportunities.”
"He is a brilliant player": Chaminda Vaas on Shubman Gill
Chaminda Vaas has been especially impressed by Shubman Gill’s batting style and temperament. Sri Lankan fast-bowling legend feels the right-handed batter knows how to handle pressure and can stay calm when things are not going his way. Amid this, Hardik Pandya wanted GT return for IPL 2027, Shubman Gill's team rejected.
Sri Lankan conditions can test even experienced batters, especially when the spinners start getting help from the pitch. Gill will need to stay patient and build his innings carefully. However, Vaas feels Gill has the temperament to handle this type of challenge. Even the former Sri Lankan bowler considers Gill one of the best Indian batters he has seen in recent years.
The Sri Lankan legend added, “I’m sure Shubman Gill will be the key, especially in the first Test in Galle. He has the temperament. Once he gets going, it is very difficult to get him out. I’ve seen him bat, and he is a brilliant player. He is the best I have seen in India over the last few years.”
Chaminda Vaas tells fast bowlers how to find success on Galle pitch
He suggested the fast bowlers need to stay patient and bowl in the right areas to get success on the surface of Galle. He noted that they should control the new ball and maintain a good line and length.
Vaas signed off by saying, “You have to be patient and try to bowl in the right areas. Wherever you play, as a fast bowler, you need to bowl a good line and length. If you can control the new ball and bowl the right length, I think you can get wickets anywhere in the world.”
Subroto Banerjee backs Shubman Gill as key batter for India in Sri Lanka
Meanwhile, the former Indian selector Subroto Banerjee admitted that Gill will be very important for India’s batting on the Sri Lanka tour. He has full confidence in Gill’s batting ability, especially after seeing his strong performances in England.
Banerjee was quoted as saying by PTI: “Of course, Shubman’s role will be crucial for the batting group. There are no second thoughts over his ability with the bat. We had seen what he did in England, and he is someone who can bring out his best away from home, having grown in experience.”
