IND vs SL: Aakash Chopra Believes Shubman Gill's Knock Against Bangladesh 'Was Better Than His Double Hundred'

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra lauded young opener Shubman Gill’s brilliant century in the final Super Four game of the Asia Cup 223. Aakash Chopra highlighted that Shubman Gill played a mature knock in challenging conditions against Bangladesh spinners.

Shubman Gill scored his fifth ODI century at the R.Premadasa Stadium on Friday, September 15. The right-handed batter scored 121 runs off 133 deliveries while chasing a target of 266 runs. However, his knock went in vain, as India fell short by six runs in the run chase.

Very Very Very Mature Knock – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra stated that Shubman Gill‘s recent knock was better than his double century in ODI cricket. Chopra mentioned that the conditions were challenging for batters, with the ball turning and moving.

“Shubman Gill – a very, very, very mature knock. This player has also hit a double century in ODI cricket, you would remember that, but this knock was better than his double hundred,” Chopra said.

“You can check the conditions, the way the ball was turning slightly and getting stuck on the pitch. It was also moving left and right with the new ball. It was not easy to bat under lights against the new ball and then the spinners kept everyone in check,” he added.

Shubman Gill displayed his fighting spirit despite wickets falling at the other end. He remained at the crease until the 44th over before getting dismissed while attempting a six off Mahedi Hasan’s delivery.

Shubman Gill Was Absolutely Stellar – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra was impressed with Shubman Gill’s approach against Bangladesh’s spinners, highlighting his improved technique against left-arm spin. He emphasized KL Rahul’s well-executed shots, but a mistimed shot led to his dismissal.

“The way he got out to Dunith Wellalage (in the last match), it was there in his mind. He was taking a big stride, playing extremely close to the body, that’s the kind of improvement you want to see against left-arm spin. He was dancing down the wicket and hitting sixes against the off-spinners. So he was absolutely stellar.”

“KL Rahul was actually batting well. Played a good cut shot to get a four and was playing good sweeps as well. Then he jumped down the pitch, reached too close to the ball, and hit it straight into midwicket’s hands off an off-spinner’s delivery,” he concluded.

KL Rahul, who played well in his last two games, managed to score 19 runs off 39 deliveries with the help of two fours. Gill and Rahul added a 57-run partnership for the third wicket, rescuing the team from 17/2.

Also read: IND vs BAN: Fans Praise ‘Lone Wolf’ Shubman Gill As He Hits A Terrific Ton vs Bangladesh In Asia Cup 2023