IPL 2022: ‘He Reminds Me Of A Young Virat Kohli’- Ravi Shastri Hails Shubman Gill’s Knock Against PBKS
Published - 09 Apr 2022, 04:31 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:07 AM
Former India coach Ravi Shastri hailed Shubman Gill’s amazing 96-run knock for the Gujarat Titans (GT) against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the ongoing IPL 2022 the other night. Though the hero of the match proved to be Rahul Tewatia, who hit two sixes off the last two balls to win the match, Gill was the one to take the team to that position.
It was a tough chase for the GT team as they were set a 190-run target by the PBKS unit. Lacing 11 boundaries and a solitary six, Gill scored 96 off 59 balls against Punjab, which also comprised just 11 dot balls, to give the Titans a promising start to the run chase. Unfortunately, he missed his maiden IPL century, which would have made him the fifth-youngest batter to the three-figure mark in the tournament’s history.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Shastri hailed Gill’s knock, saying: “He batted beautifully again, really really beautifully. The way he timed the ball, some of the shots he played on the backfoot, the placement, the power and the ability to hit in front of square makes him a standout player. He is one of the best young players in the world. People would love to pay money to watch him bat when in full flow.”
Gujarat Titans now remain the only unbeaten side in the IPL 2022 with three wins in three matches.
Reminds Of Virat Kohli At His Prime: Ravi Shastri On Shubman Gill
The legendary cricketer also feels that Gujarat would want Gill to remain in form as it would increase their chances of making the playoffs in what is their maiden Indian Premier League season.
“He has hit some form. His last two innings, he is striking it beautifully. And when you have an opener in form, who gets runs on a consistent basis your team will move up the table and be in a create position to make the playoffs. From Gujarat’s point of view, they would be hoping that Shubman just carries on,” he said.
Furthermore, Shastri said that the way Gill found gaps with ease and caressed his shots reminded him of a young Virat Kohli in his prime.
He added: “Very few dot balls, he rotates the strike beautifully so he is a very busy player and has the ability to put the bad ball away. He reminds of Virat Kohli at his prime – along the ground with power and making it look easy.”
