Sanjay Bangar reveals Ravi Shastri’s bold remark for Shubman Gill after his first net session with Team India

Former Team India batting coach Sanjay Bangar recently recalled young batter Shubman Gill's first net session with the senior national cricket team. Sanjay Bangar shared that the opening batter's performance against the fast throwdown specialists in the nets impressed then-India head coach Ravi Shastri.

Shubman Gill is currently representing the Indian cricket team in the three-match ODI series against England at home. The top-order batter played a crucial role in India's four-wicket victory during the first ODI in Nagpur on February 6. He was named Player of the Match after scoring 87 runs off 96 balls.

Ravi Shastri Was Like, "Ek Taiyaar Player Mil Gaya Humein" - Sanjay Bangar

A video shared by Star Sports on their X (formerly Twitter) platform revealed that Sanjay Bangar shared that Shubman Gill impressed the coaching staff during his first net session with the senior national team. Bangar also revealed that Ravi Shastri remarked they had found a "ready player" in Gill.

"The first glimpse of Shubman Gill we had during his first net session for India, there is a tradition in India that during the nets session, if you want that approval, you will have to do well against throwdown specialists, who bowl really fast. And unhone uss nets session mein, jo ek screen test hota hena, aise patakhe bajaye the. Ravi Shastri was like, ek taiyaar player mil gaya humein. Such was his first impact," Bangar said.

#SanjayBangar recalls @ShubmanGill's first net session, leaving a lasting impression on the coaches.

Start watching FREE on Disney+ Hotstar!#INDvENGOnJioStar 👉 2nd ODI | SUN, 9th FEB, 12:30 PM on Disney+ Hotstar, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Sports 18 1 & Colors Cineplex! pic.twitter.com/Mi7VOpNLqQ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 7, 2025

Shubman Gill Made His India Debut in 2019 Following a Stellar U-19 World Cup Performance

The Punjab-born batter made his India debut in 2019 after an impressive showing in the 2018 U-19 World Cup. He was named 'Player of the Tournament' for scoring 372 runs in six matches. Since then, the right-handed batter has established himself as one of the key players for India across all formats.

Shubman Gill has played 101 matches for India, scoring 4,886 runs in 128 innings across three formats. He has smashed 12 centuries and 24 fifties in his impressive international career. He has also joined a distinguished group of Indian cricketers who have scored centuries in all three international formats.

Shubman Gill Shines in ODI Format with Exceptional Records

Shubman Gill has been exceptional in the ODI format, amassing 2,415 runs in just 48 matches at an average of 58.90. He has six centuries and 14 fifties to his name. He became the fastest to reach 2,000 ODI runs in just 38 innings. Notably, the opener is the youngest player to score an ODI double-century.

However, he has struggled in the Test format, scoring 1,893 runs in 32 matches at an average of 35.05, with five centuries and seven fifties. Gill has scored 578 runs in 21 T20Is with a strike rate of 139.27.

The 25-year-old will next be seen in action during the second ODI of the three-match series against England, which will be played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on February 9. He will be hoping to maintain his form ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will begin on February 19.

Also read: India great claims 'God' sidelined Virat Kohli to make way for Shreyas Iyer in India ODI XI