“He Is Ready To Cement His Place In ODIs But Team Must Be Patient”: Saba Karim After Shubman Gill’s 130 Against Zimbabwe In 3rd ODI

Aug 23, 2022 at 12:40 PM

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“He Is Ready To Cement His Place In ODIs But Team Must Be Patient”: Saba Karim After Shubman Gill’s 130 Against Zimbabwe In 3rd ODI

Saba Karim, the former cricketer is doubtful whether Shubman Gill will be in India’s ODI playing XI when Rohit Sharma returns despite his superlative returns in white-ball cricket.

During a discussion, he mentioned that Shubman Gill will surely be in the squad, but Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan will remain the preferred openers in the 50-over format. He suggested that the team management must be patient with the youngster.

Shubman Gill celebrates his century against Zimbabwe. (Pic: Instagram)
Shubman Gill celebrates his century against Zimbabwe. (Pic: Instagram)

Saba Karim: Shubman Gill’s Recent Performances Show He Is Ready To Cement His Place In ODI Team, But Selectors Should Stick To The Identified Group In T20Is

Speaking of Shubman Gill’s chances for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, he opined that the selectors should continue to pick players who are already in their scheme of things for T20 cricket.

Saba Karim explained: “It’s important not to add too much confusion to the minds of the selectors and team management. If they have identified 14-15 players who they think will play T20 cricket, then they should stick to that group.”

Saba Karim. – File photo of former wicketkeeper - The Hindu
Saba Karim. – File photo of former wicketkeeper – The Hindu

“Shubman Gill’s recent performances show that he is now ready to cement his place in the team. But at times, you have to be patient. While it seems that he has confirmed his place in India’s ODI squad, it remains to be seen if he can be in the XI, as Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are still going to be first-choice openers.”

Notably, Shubman Gill slammed his maiden century (130 runs) in international cricket during the third ODI against Zimbabwe on Monday (August 22) in Harare. He also showcased stellar form in the last ODI series against the West Indies.

Shubman Gill was adjudged as the Player of the Series in both the West Indies as well as the recently concluded Zimbabwe series. He amassed 245 runs in three games at an average of 122.50 in the Zimbabwe ODIs and 205 runs in 3 ODIs averaging 102.5 in the West Indies ODIs, topping the run chart on both occasions.

The Men in Blue secured a thrilling 13-run win in the final contest to complete a clean sweep over Zimbabwe in their three-match ODI series.

Reetinder Singh Sodhi And Rajkumar Sharma Praised Shubman Gill

Ex-India all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhi reserved high praise for Shubman Gill after his 130-run knock against Zimbabwe in the 3rd and final ODI of the series. He highlighted that the right-handed batter is technically very sound.

The 41-year-old revealed that Shubman Gill’s father has had a major role to play in his career, as he made him work hard in the nets during his younger days.

Reetinder Singh Sodhi stated: “Shubman Gill is a classy batter and is technically very strong. It seems as if he has a lot of time and is strong on both the front foot and back foot. He deserves 10/10 for his technique. His father has worked very hard on his game, making him bat in the nets for long hours. With his ton, he has strengthened his selection chances for future series.”

Reetinder Singh Sodhi. Photo Credit: Getty Images.
Reetinder Singh Sodhi. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

During the same discussion, Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma mentioned that Shubman Gill has the ability to serve the Indian team for several years.

He said: “Shubman Gill has the technique and temperament to succeed in all three formats. He is a strong contender to be in India’s squad across formats. He has the ability to play as an opener for Team India for many years to come.”

While Shubman Gill has proved his mettle in ODI cricket with his recent performances, he is yet to make his T20I debut. He isn’t a part of India’s squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022, which gets underway on August 27 in the UAE. Shubman Gill has so far played 11 Tests amassing 579 runs, averaging 30.47, and 499 runs in 9 ODIs, averaging 71.28.

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