Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif believes that in terms of technique and mental toughness, Shubman Gill is more comparable to Sachin Tendulkar than Virat Kohli. While both Tendulkar and Kohli are legendary players, Kaif made a significant claim that the latter has certain flaws in his style of play.
One of the best batters to ever play cricket, Tendulkar is largely regarded as such. One of the best batters in the modern era is Kohli. Gill has been in outstanding form over the past year and is frequently compared to Tendulkar and Kohli.
During a discussion on Sportskeeda, Kaif shared his views on the Tendulkar-Kohli-Gill debate.
He said: “Sachin was also a very organized batter. If I compare Sachin and Virat, the latter still has some weaknesses. He was out of form when he went to England (in 2014). James Anderson troubled him a lot outside the off stump and he had not answers to it. He was a total flop in that series.”
“I feel Gill’s technique is similar to Tendulkar. It is very difficult to get him out at this point of time. There seems to be no weakness in his game. Virat and Sachin both are legends. I have played with both, but Kohli has his weaknesses. Gill is on the path of becoming a great like Sachin when it comes to technique and mental strength,” he added.
Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli are in England, prepping for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC 2023) final against Australia.
Shubman Gill Is A Complete Package. It Is Difficult To Find A Weakness In His Game: Mohammad Kaif
Kaif praised Gill for constantly enhancing his abilities, saying that the batter has improved with each game he plays.
Kaif said: “I have been watching him closely for the last year. He has been getting better with every game. Earlier, I felt that he was good against pace, but not against spin. But he improved his game against spin. After that, I felt he did not use his feet enough. Then he started using his feet as well.
The stature that he has achieved, it takes many players 8-9 years to get there. He is a complete package. It is difficult to find a weakness in his game.”
Gill had an excellent IPL 2023 season for finalist Gujarat Titans as he earned the Orange Cap for most runs- 890 with 3 centuries and 4 fifties in 17 matches at an average of 59.33.