Shubman Gill Recalls The Moment When Hardik Pandya Sledged Him
Published - 15 Jun 2020, 01:15 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 08:59 AM
Indian batsman Shubman Gill is undoubtedly one of the domestic stars, who is knocking hard on the national selectors’ doors. The right-handed batsman played an instrumental role in the U-19 World Cup in 2018 with the bat that helped India beat Australia in the final and lift the title. Meanwhile, in an Instagram session with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Shubman Gill reminisced an episode when Hardik Pandya tried to sledge him.
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Gill has also been one of the talented ones in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He plies his trade for the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders with his first season coming in 2018. The youngster showcased his potential the first year, but the following one was arguably his best. In 2019, the 20-year old mustered 296 runs in 14 games at 32.89 with a high score of 76. The 296 runs came at a strike rate of 124.37.
As far as his international career is concerned, Shubman Gill has featured only in two ODIs, scoring 16 runs. The Punjab batsman donned his maiden ODI cap against New Zealand early last year. While it hasn’t been smooth sailing for him, he possesses a solid technique and the ability to find gaps. He was also selected for the Test series against South Africa last year; however, is yet to make his debut.
He kept on sledging me, and I don’t know for what reason: Shubman Gill
Coming to the sledging incident, it occurred in 2017 against Baroda when Gill faced Hardik Pandya. The 26-year old all-rounder tried to get in his nerves by having a war of words with Gill. The KKR batsman revealed that he attempted to strike the medium-pace bowler on the up, but it went straight to the fielder. In response to the same, Hardik dared him to hit it and kept reminding him this is not a U-19 match.
“It was my first year of the Ranji Trophy season and we were playing a one-day against Baroda. And I remember Hardik bowling to me. He kept on sledging me and I don’t know for what reason. I tried to hit him on the up and the ball went straight to the fielder. Then he kept saying, ‘Ae chal na maar na! Chal na ye 19 nahi hai ye. Chal na maar na’ (Come on hit me, this is not Under-19 cricket, hit me!).”
