Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma's legacy challenged just after retirement? Shubman Gill's audacious response

Young batter Shubman Gill expressed his desire to secure a permanent opening spot in the Indian national cricket team in the T20I format. However, Shubman Gill highlighted that he doesn't aim to match the stature of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, acknowledging their success for India in international cricket.

Shubman Gill is set to embark on a new role as India's captain for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. The right-handed batter failed to make it into the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. Shubman will lead India for the first time in the T20I series against Zimbabwe in Harare on Saturday, July 6.

I Will Want To Open In T20Is - Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill stated that he wants to cement his spot in the Indian T20 squad following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the shorter international format. The Indian skipper stated that he wants to open in T20Is, noting his experience in the role.

"I think Rohit Bhai was an opener and Virat Bhai also opened in this World Cup...I have also opened in T20s. So, I think I will want to open in T20Is," Gill told reporters when asked about his preferred batting position in the shortest format.

Shubman Gill experienced ups and downs in 2024. Gill was named captain of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. However, he failed to guide the Titans to the playoffs in the T20 tournament. Gill will aim to bolster his credentials with strong performances in the T20I series against Zimbabwe.

It Will Be Very Difficult For Me - Shubman Gill

The 24-year-old batter stated that he wants to reach his personal goals without feeling pressured to match the achievements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Gill acknowledged that pressure and expectations are inevitable, but each player has their own path and goals to pursue.

"Pressure and expectations... they I think always remain. But what Virat Bhai and Rohit Bhai have achieved, if I look to achieve that or reach that, it will be very difficult for me."

"Every player has his own goal, where he wants to reach. That is the pressure. If you want to reach where other people have reached, then you have more pressure," Gill added.

They Are Idols And Legends Of Indian Cricket - Shubman Gill

The Punjab-born cricketer praised Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as idols and legends of Indian cricket. Gill acknowledged the pressure that comes with striving to achieve similar success for the team.

"Obviously there is pressure. But what they've achieved or what they did for India...they are both idols and legends of Indian cricket. But as players and the team the things we want to achieve, there is definitely pressure about that."

Many players from the World Cup squad are rested, and some seniors have retired. Shubman Gill has played 14 T20Is, scoring 335 runs at an average of 25.76 and a strike rate of 147.57, including one century and one half-century.

Also read: Suresh Raina strictly tells Jay Shah to pay MS Dhoni-like tribute to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli with jersey retirement