Young Indian batsman Shubman Gill has impressed one and all in his short international career and exploits in the Indian Premier League for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Gill has been touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket and is one of the prime candidates to play in the first Test between Australia and India in Adelaide from December 17, perhaps opening the innings with Mayank Agarwal.

However, Australia might have missed a chance at getting to know Gill’s batting a lot better if their fast bowler Pat Cummins, who was Gill’s teammate in KKR camp had paid attention. Gill outscored Prithvi Shaw - the other in contention to grab the opener’s slot - but also looked more assured and better equipped to handle the pace and bounce on offer on Australian tracks.

AUS v IND 2020-21: Pat Cummins says D/N Tests pose a tactical challenge for captains

“I haven’t really. Maybe I should have, might be too late now. I think every time India comes to Australia, there is a story of one or two young guys who kind of make a name for themselves in our Aussie conditions,” Pat Cummins told KKR’s official website, kkr.in.

Terming Gill as a class player, Cummins further said, “Yeah Shubi (Shubman) is obviously a class player, and it will be interesting to see if he gets picked for India. (If he does) there might even be some friendly banter out on the field between the two of us.”

The Adelaide Test will be a historic one, as it will be the first day-night, pink-ball encounter between Australia and India. Australia has won each of their four day-night Test matches so far against New Zealand, South Africa, England, and Pakistan respectively.

Meanwhile, India has played just one pink-ball Test, winning it convincingly against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens in November last year.

(KKR official website inputs)