Adam Gilchrist also lauded Mohammed Siraj and Hardik Pandya ahead of World Cup 2023.
Legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist has showered rich praise on India opener Shubman Gill, hailing his outstanding performances across all formats at the highest level.
Gilchrist believes that Gill could be a standout performer for Team India in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The Aussie great also highlighted that hosts, India have a well-balanced squad with experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, complemented by young talents.
Well, Gilchrist stressed the importance of managing the immense expectations that come with playing on home soil. He drew a parallel to India's successful 2011 World Cup campaign when they didn't let overwhelming expectations overshadow their performance.
The former cricketer believes that India is poised to be a strong contender with the right balance in batting and bowling options, especially with impressive displays like Mohammed Siraj's performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final, which bolsters their confidence.
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He also said that India is indeed a formidable and feared team that is ready to claim their third title in front of the home crowd.
Adam Gilchrist was quoted as saying by Sportstar: “Shubman Gill. Everything that he has done in the international level, in every format, continues to amaze. He could possibly be one of the standout performers in the tournament.”
Speaking about India’s CWC squad, the former cricketer noted: “They have got a nice balance of experience, particularly of Rohit and Virat. KL Rahul is an experienced player already, and there's younger blood in and around that, is a nice balance. The power games of Hardik Pandya in the middle is an example.
They have got a talented squad and the big thing in India is to handle the expectations. If they can find a way - like they did in 2011 - to not let that expectation swamp them and overshadow everything, they will be very competitive. But obviously, that will be a challenge internally.”
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On Team India’s World Cup 2023 chances, Gilchrist said: “At home, India will come in as one of the favourites and one of the most feared teams in the World Cup. They are getting their balance right - in terms of their batting order, bowling options. Of course, their spin bowlers need to fire but for Mohammed Siraj to do that in an Asia Cup final (is incredible).”
He signed off by saying, “I don't know whether those conditions will be similar to what we see in India, but he will certainly capitalise. But this effort will come in with a great deal of confidence for him. To blow away an international opposition team in the final like that, makes a huge statement.”
(With Sportstar Inputs)