Shubman Gill, as an ODI batter for India, has been a revelation in 2022. The young opener made his international debut in the format back in 2019 in New Zealand. However, the side tested his full potential in 2022, giving consistent chances to Gill during the West Indies, Zimbabwe, and now the New Zealand series. And Shubman Gill has surely not disappointed. On the contrary, the 22-year-old grabbed almost all those chances to outshine as a prime option for India’s opening batter in ODIs.
The right-handed batter registered his maiden international century scoring a hundred against Zimbabwe. Shubman Gill, in the ongoing ODI series, scored a fluent half-century in the first match. And seemingly looked good to score a second too in the latest match until rain washed away the clash. Consequently, Shubman Gill departed at a score of 45*. However, one washed-out chance doesn’t hide in consistent performance in 2022. Gill following his shining ODI knocks now has the highest average by an Indian in ODI in 2022 at 72.5.
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Simon Doull Showers Praises on Shubman Gill
Former New Zealand cricket, Simon Doull lauded praises on the right-handed batter post second India vs New Zealand match. Doull went on to say that he termed Gill better than Prithvi Shaw in their U-19 days. “I have been a big fan of his since the under-19 World Cup here in New Zealand. I sent a message to a couple of people and I said that Shubman Gill is a better player than Prithvi Shaw, which was quite controversial at the time in that under-19 World Cup, but I have really loved seeing the development of Shubman over the last couple of years.”
Moreover, Doull praised Gill’s specifics in the game praising his footwork. “The feet move beautifully. Some of these shots down the ground are exceptional. The one thing that he does do very well is that he plays the short ball and the quick bowling very well. He is comfortable with that and I think that’s going to be one of the keys for him moving forward.” And Doull simultaneously backed Gill as India’s staple option for an opener in ODIs.
“It’s a tough position to cement. There are so many good players that are looking to open the batting for India and so many good options. I really like Shubman Gill. With the breakthrough at the IPL earlier this year, it was probably his best season, he just looked a little more comfortable, I think now he is feeling like he belongs at this level a little bit more,” Doull said about Gill’s place as an opener in the Indian squad.
Also Read: Shubman Gill Scores Maiden T20 Century, Hours After Getting His First T20I Call Up
Gill Explains His Vision for the 2024 ODI World Cup
Not only Doull but former Indian cricketer and head-coach Ravi Shastri also praised Shubman Gill for his work ethic. “Shubman Gill has good work ethics, he work so hard & quality – he is going to be around for long time,” Shastri said about Gill while reviewing the ODI match between India and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill appeared for the post-match press conference and talked about his stance on the 2024 ODI World Cup.
Gill’s consistently impressive performances in the ODIs have brought him into the discussion for India’s squad for the 2024 ODI World Cup. Many have backed the player as a backup opener in the squad for the marquee event. When asked about the same, Gill stated that his focus is performing well but specifically for the World Cup. “I am not looking that far ahead and my aim is to make the most of the opportunities that I am getting. That’s what I am trying to do and make most of the opportunities that I get, trying to score big runs for the team,” Gill said.
