“MS Dhoni Told Me At Least Your Debut Was Better Than Mine” – Shubman Gill Recalls His Conversation With Ex-Captain After His Failed ODI Debut

The 23-year-old opening batsman Shubman Gill has recalled a conversation that he had with the legendary India National Cricket Team captain MS Dhoni after his disappointing ODI debut.

Gill, after a highly successful U-19 stint, made his debut for Team India in the 4th ODI of the series against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on January 31, 2019.

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Indian batters failed miserably in that game and they were bundled out for just 92. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was the top run-getter for the Men In Blue with 18 runs under his belt and Trent Boult was the top performer for the Kiwis as he picked up 5 wickets.

New Zealand batters did a good job while chasing the target and they completed the run-chase in the 15th over. Also, the Black Caps won the game by 8 wickets with 212 balls remaining.

Talking about the performance of Gill, the youngster came out to bat at the No.3 position and he scored just 9 runs off 21 balls, before being cleaned up by Trent Boult.

MS Dhoni started laughing and joking and I was touched by that gesture – Shubman Gill

Speaking on the chat show ‘Dil Diyan Gallan’ hosted by Sonam Bajwa, who is an Indian model and actress, Shubman Gill stated that he was dejected after failing to do well on his ODI debut. He further recalled that as he was sitting on the sidelines Dhoni walked up to him and talked about his ODI debut.

“The day I made my debut, I was dismissed when India were around 15. I was sitting outside and was sad having scored just 9 runs in my debut. So Mahi bhai came and saw that I was very sad. I was then around 18-19 years old. He told me at least your debut was better than mine. I realised he was dismissed for golden duck in his debut. He did not face a single ball and was run out. Then he started laughing and joking and I was touched by that gesture,” he said.

In conversation with Sonam Bajwa, Shubman Gill recalls his debut match against NZ and MS Dhoni's kind gesture towards him. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NJ9rwKaqa9

— Shubman Gill FC (@shubmangillfans) November 18, 2022

Notably, Dhoni made his ODI debut in the series against Bangladesh on December 23, 2004, at the MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong. Dhoni had a disappointing debut game as he got run out in the 42nd over after facing just 1 delivery.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: “He’s Come Good In Last Few Months” – Dinesh Karthik Hails Shubman Gill After His Selection In T20I Squad