Shubman Gill is still new to international cricket but the young opener is already drawing comparisons with some of the most decorated players in the history of the game like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
The right-handed batsman is seen as the next big thing in Indian cricket and has already been tipped by many to be the next flag-bearer for the team. His performance with the bat in the ongoing year has only bolstered his reputation. Shubman Gill began the year by smashing an ODI century and a fifty against Sri Lanka before scoring another ODI ton and his maiden double ton during the series against New Zealand.
It was followed by a maiden T20I Century during the series against the Black Caps. He then scored a Test century against Australia in the Ahmedabad Test. In his last assignment, he starred with the bat in IPL 2023. He finished the season as the highest run-scorer, scoring 890 runs with the help of 3 centuries and 4 fifties.
Mohammad Kaif lavishes praise on Shubman Gill:
Thanks to his stunning exploits with the bat at such a young age, Shubman Gill is drawing comparisons with the likes of Tendulkar and Kohli. Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif, however, believes that the youngster’s batting is more similar to Sachin’s batting, than of Kohli.
Regarded as one of India’s greatest-ever fielders, Kaif opined that Gill’s batting looks flawless while Kohli’s batting still has “weaknesses”. Kaif recalled India’s tour of England in 2014 to point out the weakness in Kohli’s batting. Kohli had endured a disastrous tour as he struggled to get going in the testing English conditions.
He managed to score only 134 runs in 10 innings with a top score of 39. The former India skipper was dismissed for single-digit scores on six occasions. Speaking about Gill, Kaif said that bowlers are finding it really difficult to dismiss the opening batsman and backed him to become a great of the game.
“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,” Kaif told Sportskeeda.
“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,” Kaif added.
Both Gill and Kohli are currently in England, preparing for the upcoming ICC WTC final against Australia. The upcoming match will be Gill’s maiden appearance in an ICC trophy final for the senior team and he will be looking to make a big impact.
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