India vs New Zealand 2019: Peers Look Forward to Shubman Gill ODI Debut

As India gears up for the fourth ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton, the buzz of Shubman Gill making his ODI debut is getting high. Meanwhile, only after BCCI had decided to rest Virat Kohli for the remainder of the tour; Gill’s chances of entering the lineup looked solid. Not only this, the India National Cricket Team captain had shared high praise for the youngster. After the third ODI win at the Bay Oval, Kohli said Gill is looking fantastic in the nets. Virat further added he was not even 10% of what Shubman is when he was of his age.

Peers hail Shubman Gill

It was on December 25th last year, during a game between Hyderabad and Punjab in Ranji Trophy; when Hyderabad asked the opposition to chase 338 in 57 overs that Gill hogged the limelight. Though it looked impossible from the offset, Shubman Gill’s 154-ball 148 almost snatched the game from Hyderabad. The match got tied, but Gill became a prospect to look out. Speaking of the same, Hyderabad’s Mehdi Hasan said,

“We were sure that Punjab will not go for the target. But when Gill started attacking, we were taken aback. Even though there were about seven fielders guarding the boundary, he was effortless in frequently finding the gaps. I had never seen anything like it,”

“I think he is absolutely fearless when he is out there at the crease. It looks as if he is not under any pressure of being dismissed. That might be easy to say, but to achieve a mindset like that while batting is really tough,” Hasan added.

However, the praises for his performances began to come out a year back. It was during the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand in 2018, when the right-hander made a name for himself. Though he scored 372 runs across all games, his hundred in the semifinal against Pakistan was the highlight. Later, he scored his maiden double ton in the Ranji tie against Tamil Nadu at home as well.

Jiwanjot Singh lauds ‘attacking’ Gill

Punjab Ranji team opener, Jiwanjot Singh also talked about Gill. He said the youngster doesn’t fear anyone and it doesn’t matter to him which format he is playing.

“As far as I can remember, Shubman has always been an attacking player. The format does not matter to him. And the fact that he has no fear when he bats is his USP,” Singh added.

In the Ranji game against Hyderabad, T Ravi Teja, who was the Man of the Match said,

“(Mohammed) Siraj was sending down his deliveries at close to 140 kmph. And Gill was driving and cutting him, that too with utmost ease. He batting style appeared way too advanced for his age. He can play all kinds of strokes,” Teja said.

Meanwhile, India had already clinched the five-match ODIs 3-0 and the fourth game will be played in Hamilton on January 31st (Thursday).