Gujarat Titans (GT) mentor Gary Kirsten applauded opening batter Shubman Gill after the youngster put on a scintillating batting display in the recently concluded IPL season as well. Gill won the Orange Cap for his stunning season with the bat, scoring 890 runs which came at an average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 157.80 in 17 matches as well.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Kirsten said that comparisons to Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are premature for Gill. “He is a young player who has incredible skill and determination to be one of the best players in the world. It would be unfair to compare him to Sachin and Virat so early in his journey. I believe he has the game to successfully play across all three formats for India. You don’t often see that, these days, particularly as T20 cricket is developing and progressing so fast,” said Kirsten.
Kirsten also applauded Gill’s ability to evolve and take his game to a higher level this year as well. He shared various aspects of his game that have evolved from a year ago as well. Notably, in the recently-concluded IPL season, Shubman Gill had smashed three centuries in four games, including a stunning 129 off 60 deliveries in Qualifier 2 against the Mumbai Indians (MI) as well.
READ MORE: ‘Could have gone deeper’ – Shubman Gill on his knock
“First, his confidence and self- belief in knowing what he is capable of. Second is his work ethic and professionalism around how he prepares for the games. And finally, his game sense and how he puts a performance together with his skill sets. This season, he showed a fantastic understanding of his strengths and how to use them at the right time in every match,” added Gary Kirsten.
However, Kirsten also opened up on Shubman Gill as one of the few players in world cricket with the ability to adapt his game across formats. Shubman Gill has also been in red-hot form for Team India in 2023, scoring nearly 1000 runs which came at an average of over 60 with five centuries across formats as well. And, he will surely try to carry forward his form in the upcoming WTC Final as well.
ALSO READ: Viacom18 bags WIPL Media Rights for 5 years
“He is one of a few players in the world, currently, who has proved [that] he can be equally effective across all three formats. He has got the technique to deal with the best bowling in the world. He plays equally well off the front and back foot and he can score quickly when needed. Shubman has all the credentials to become a great player for India, across all the formats. Like any player, he will be met with challenges and obstacles; how he handles those and keeps progressing will ultimately determine his long-term success. I would encourage him to keep learning and to engage with those who can offer him trusted counsel. I think he has the potential to become a leader. He has a good knowledge and understanding of the game and he gets on well with his teammates,” Gary Kirsten concluded.
