Shubman Gill is playing the home ODI series against South Africa.
The right-hander was the Player-of-the-Series in India’s last two assignments in West Indies and Zimbabwe. Still in his early days, Gill has amassed 530 runs from 11 ODIs at a remarkable average and strike rate of 58.89 and 104.54 respectively. He also has one hundred and three half-centuries to his name.
With such performances, Shubman Gill has certainly strengthened his selection claims for the next year’s ODI World Cup in India.
In an exclusive chat with Timesofindia.com, the 23-year-old also expressed his desire to play the World Cup at home.
"Exciting times lie ahead. I am really looking forward to it (playing the ODI World Cup next year). As a player I can just give my best and hope that I am part of the team," Gill said.
Shubman Gill has managed to score a total of 31 runs from the first two ODIs against South Africa. While he looked in terrific touch in the second game in Ranchi, Kagiso Rabada sent him back for 28 with an outstanding catch on his follow-through.
Gill will look to make a mark in the series-deciding third ODI in Delhi on Tuesday (October 11).
"I would love to be a part of any World Cup team, be it for the T20 World Cup or the ODI World Cup. I just want to keep performing the way I have been. I am looking forward to it (being a part of the Indian ODI World Cup squad)," he added.
"It has been a childhood dream of mine to wear the Indian jersey and score as many runs for the country as I can. I am really thankful that I am able to do that. Whenever I go out to the middle, I have one aim and that is to put as many runs on the scoreboard as possible and win matches for my team," he further stated.
Shubman Gill also shared his experience of opening with the stand-in ODI skipper Shikhar Dhawan.
"I really like playing and opening with Shikhar bhai. He is a senior pro. I always discuss things regarding batting and shots in the middle with Shikhar bhai. He is so helpful. I enjoy opening the batting with him. He is always there to guide me. No matter what I ask him about batting, he is happy to answer all questions. He is a wonderful person and cricketer....Whenever I hit a good shot, he comes and praises me," he remarked.
Gill recently made his County Championship debut for Glamorgan and registered scores of 92, 22, 11 and 119 in three games.
"It was an incredible experience (playing county cricket). Playing in different conditions, especially overseas has helped my game. County cricket has helped me a lot. I got to learn a lot. The county experience is helping me take my game to the next level," he concluded.
(With TOI inputs)