IND vs ZIM: "You Have To Be Patient": Saba Karim On How Selectors Should Handle Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has had outstanding results in white-ball cricket, but former cricketer Saba Karim is skeptical that he will be included in India’s ODI playing XI when Rohit Sharma returns.

While Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan would continue to be the ideal openers in the 50-over format, he said Gill will undoubtedly be included in the squad. He recommended that the team’s leadership have patience with the rookie player.

Regarding Gill’s possibilities in the future T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022, he expressed the opinion that the selectors should keep choosing players who are already in their plans for T20 cricket. Karim clarified:

“It is crucial to avoid causing the selections and team management too much confusion. They should stick with that group if they have selected 14–15 individuals who they believe will play T20 cricket.”

“Shubman Gill’s impressive form demonstrates that he is now prepared to firmly establish his position on the team. However, sometimes patience is required. As Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan will still be India’s preferred openers, it is unclear if he can make the starting XI despite appearing to have secured his spot in the ODI squad.

‘Shubman Gill is a classy batter’: Reetinder Sodhi

Reetinder Sodhi, a former all-rounder for India, praised Gill highly following his 130-run performance against Zimbabwe in the series’ penultimate ODI. He emphasized how proficient technically the right-handed batter is.

The 41-year-old admitted that Gill’s father, who forced him to work hard in the nets when he was younger, had a significant part in the development of his career. Sodhi stated:

“Shubman Gill has a great technical foundation and is a gentleman batter. He appears to have a lot of time and is powerful both with his front and back feet. For technique, he gets a perfect 10.”

“His father forced him to practice batting in the nets for several hours as a result of his father’s intense practice. His chances of being selected for upcoming series have improved thanks to his century.”

The team led by KL Rahul won the series 3-0 over the hosts. Shubman Gill was named Player of the Series for his batting ability.

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