Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad had slammed young batter Shubman Gill for his below-par performances since his debut for India in 2021 in Australia. Since then, he has two hundreds in Tests, 4 centuries in ODIs, and one ton in T20Is.
He has cemented his place in the Indian white-ball team as an opener and recently during the first Test against West Indies moved to the no.3 spot batting order, in Dominica, after Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped from the squad.
So far, he has 927 runs in 17 Tests at an average of 31.96 with 2 centuries, and 1311 runs in 24 ODIs with 4 centuries including a double ton at an average of 65.55. In 6 T20Is, he has made 202 runs with one century.
His performances have given him plenty of chances with the Indian team as well, which he has been capitalizing on to the best of his abilities. However, the 23-year-old has been struggling to perform outside Asia when playing Test cricket.
Shubman Gill’s Selection Is Not Based On Performance But Favoritism- Venkatesh Prasad
Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has lambasted Shubman Gill for his performance for India thus far and taking to Twitter, opined that Gill’s selection in the Indian team comes on the back of favoritism and is not based on his performances.
He also said that an average of 30 in 30 innings is something not to boast about.
“I have a lot of regard for Shubhman Gill’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below par. A test average of 30 after 30 Innings in international cricket is ordinary. Can’t think of many who have been given so many chances,” Prasad tweeted.
I have a lot of regard for Shubhman Gill’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below par. A test average of 30 after 30 Innings in international cricket is ordinary. Can’t think of many who have been given so many chances. https://t.co/WtHrBUm4Wq
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasod) July 16, 2023
“When there are so many waiting in the wings & in top form. Shaw is in sublime form , Sharfaraz has been scoring tons in FC cricket and many who deserve a chance ahead of Gill. Some are just lucky to be given chances endlessly till they succeed while some aren’t allowed to.
Gill’s selection is not based on performance but favoritism . Has been Consistently inconsistent . One of the reasons why many ex-cricketers aren’t vocal despite seeing such favoritism..,” he added.
Gill’s selection is not based on performance but favouritism . Has been Consistently inconsistent .
One of the reasons why many ex-cricketers aren’t vocal despite seeing such favouritism..— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasod) July 16, 2023
Prasad’s tweets came to light after Shubman Gill failed to make an impact with the bat against the West Indies in the first Test of the ongoing series. It is worth noting that India took on the West Indies at Windsor Park to kick their multi-format series off from July 12.
While Yashasvi Jaiswal made 171 and Rohit Sharma made 103, adding 229 for the opening wicket, Shubman Gill could only manage 6 runs in his first outing at the no.3 spot.