Former India player turned veteran commentator Irfan Pathan has said that Shubman Gill’s batting approach in T20 cricket is similar to that of legendary Virat Kohli. However, Gill scored an unbeaten 89 off 48 deliveries as the Gujarat Titans (GT) posted a 200-run target for PBKS in Ahmedabad on Thursday, April 4. But his knock went in vain as PBKS chased the target with three wickets and a ball to spare.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Pathan said, “A lot of glimpses of Virat Kohli are seen in him in T20 cricket. How does Virat play in T20 cricket? He tries to play with control but still his strike rate remains good. So he (Gill) is trying to bat in that fashion. He is young for sure but we got to see the control and correct cricket, but despite that, if the strike goes close to 200, it’s praiseworthy.”

READ ALSO: Michael Vaughan praises Team India after series win over England

“We see fours and sixes but if we have a look at the running between the wickets, it is exceptional. Fitness makes a huge difference. He gets ready for the second run as soon as he plays a shot. I spoke about batting, but I feel he admires Virat Kohli even in running between the wickets and tries to follow him a little,” the former India all-rounder again added.

However, Shubman Gill scored 31 runs off the first 22 balls he faced but then smashed 58 runs off his final 26 deliveries as well. Meanwhile, Sanjay Manjrekar added that Shubman Gill played one of his finest IPL knocks as well.

“I feel this was one of his best IPL innings. We know it’s not a playoff match or a final but a league game. However, he had to play with a little responsibility because they were batting first today. It’s difficult while batting first and setting targets. When a guy plays a little like anchoring and maintains a strike rate close to 140, and after that, reaches close to 200, it’s a special talent. When his father was so happy, you can understand what a special knock he played. One of his finest IPL innings,” he concluded.