Australia vs India 2018-19: We Discussed with Rahul Dravid, Shubman Gill is Ready For International Cricket - MSK Prasad

Shubman Gill has been on the radar of the Indian National Cricket team selectors for quite some time now after his scintillating performance for the India A. And now, the selectors have drafted him as a replacement for KL Rahul for the series against Australia and forthcoming New Zealand tour. Meanwhile, chief of selectors, MSK Prasad admitted that they picked Gill after discussing with India A coach Rahul Dravid.

The talented batsman from Punjab shot to fame for his heroics in the ICC U19 World Cup last year. Since then, he has been in tremendous form setting high standards. The selectors, who are looking at Shubman Gill as the reserve opener said that Rahul Dravid feels Gill is ready for international cricket.

“Shubman is comfortable both opening the innings as well as playing in the middle-order. For New Zealand series, we are looking at him as the reserve opener behind Shikhar (Dhawan) and Rohit (Sharma). I won’t comment if he will make it to World Cup but he was phenomenal as an opener for India A in New Zealand,” Prasad said.

“We have discussed with Rahul (Dravid), that Shubman is ready for international cricket. The best part is the clutch of A tours which has made all these players battle ready for the biggest challenge,” MSK Prasad added.

Rishabh Pant is in the scheme of things

In addition to, MSK Prasad noted that young wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is in the mix for the World Cup squad. Meanwhile, speculations raised after the selectors dropped him from the ODI squad, but Prasad has cleared all the air.

“Rishabh Pant played three T20s and four Test matches in Australia and that had an impact on his body. He needed complete rest for two weeks and then we will take a call on how many matches he will play against England Lions. Let me put it straight, he is very much in our World Cup plans. He is a champion player in the making and even he is not fully aware the kind of potential he has,” Prasad concluded,