The Dream Is To Be Part Of Indian Team For 2019 World Cup: Shubman Gill

Highly-rated batsman Shubman Gill has said he is eyeing a spot in the Indian team for the 2019 World Cup.

Gill has not looked back since impressing in this year’s Under-19 World Cup. The 18-year old played a huge role in India’s triumphant campaign in New Zealand.

He scored four consecutive 50-plus scores in the tournament, including a match-winning century in the semi-final against Pakistan. While the focus was firmly on Prithvi Shaw, it was Gill who almost single-handedly carried India’s batting in the tournament. Even his 31-run knock in the final was one of the most attractive knocks in the tournament. His exceptional exploits helped him bag the Player-of-the-Series award for aggregating 372 runs in six matches at an average of 124.

The performance helped him earn a lucrative IPL contract from Kolkata Knight Riders. He justified his price tag by scoring 203 runs including a match-winning fifty against eventual winners Chennai Super Kings.

He later made it to the India A team for the one-day tri-series in England and once again impressed. The Punjab batsman scored 86, 37, 58*, 72 and 20 in the testing conditions.

And he is now harbouring drams of making it to the squad for next year’s World Cup.

“I remember bursting crackers right after Dhoni hit that six to seal the win for India against Sri Lanka in the final. That World Cup win was enough to ignite that passion in me. My mission had started back then. It was memorable to be part of U-19 World Cup winning team in New Zealand. Now the dream is to be part of Indian team for 2019 World Cup,”  Gill told Hindustan Times.

Gill’s stylish stroke-play has attracted comparisons with none other than India skipper Virat Kohli. And he is now looking to replicate his inspiration’s success story.

“He captained India to U-19 World Cup win in 2008 and is now leading the country. He never lost his focus. I also look up to his achievements and hard work,” said Gill.

Gill was recently selected in the India ‘B’ team for the quadrangular series involving India ‘A’, India ‘B’, South Africa ‘A’ and ‘Australia A’. He would be eyeing another good show to attract the selectors’ interest.