Australia vs India 2018-19: National Call-Up is the Reward for All the Hardwork - Lakhwinder Singh Gill on Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has made it to the Indian National Cricket team’s one-day international and Twenty20 International squads for the tour of New Zealand as the replacement for KL Rahul. Meanwhile, it was a tough decision for agriculturist Lakhwinder Singh Gill. Shubman’s father, to relocate to Mohali from their native village in 2007.

The 19-year-old Gill first rose to prominence with his Player of the Tournament performance in the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup 2018, also held in New Zealand, where he played a key role in India’s title-winning run. He rapidly rose through the ranks since then and is now on the cusp of an India cap in just over a year since his first-class debut in November 2017. Lakhwinder Gill believes finally all the hardwork has paid off and thanked the almighty for making this happen.

“We shifted to Mohali in April 2007 to support Shubman’s cricketing career. He started playing when he was not even four and as his interest grew in the sport, we wanted to support him in whatever way we could.

Shubman joined Mohali Cricket Association (MCA) academy near I S Bindra PCA Stadium and today’s selection is the reward for all the hard work. He woke me and my wife Keart up last night and gave the news about his selection. We are thankful to god for making this happen,” Lakhwinder said.

Shubman has always shown passion for the sport

Shubman Gill’s longtime teammate and best friend Khushpreet Singh was also at the Gill home in Mohali to celebrate his inclusion in the Indian team. He noted that Shubman has always shown passion for the game and the selection is a special feeling for the whole family and friends.

“Shubman is four years younger to me and we were neighbours in Phase IX. We started training together at MCA academy and would spend training there before and after our school. While I had to leave cricket for some time due to an injury, Shubman always showed his passion for the sport and played with confidence. He has displayed his best form in the last two years and the selection for the Indian team feels special for the whole family and friends,” said Khushpreet whom Shubman calls his elder brother.