Touted as India’s next batting superstar, Shubman Gill has lived up to the expectations of fans and experts this year, especially in white-ball cricket.

Gill was the Player-of-the-Series in India’s ODI assignments in West Indies and Zimbabwe. In 12 ODIs this year, the right-hander has amassed 638 runs at an average of 70.88 and a strike rate of 102.57 with one hundred and four half-centuries.

Last week, Gill once again gave a glimpse of his special talent as he slammed his maiden Test century in the first Test against Bangladesh, scoring 110 off 152 balls in the second innings to script India’s 188-run victory at Chattogram.

Impressed with his recent exploits, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif said Shubman Gill will find a place in the Indian Test team even if that means dropping KL Rahul or Shreyas Iyer.

“You will not be able to stop such a player for a long time, whether you have to drop KL Rahul or Shreyas Iyer for that, the place will get created. He is looking better and better whenever he is given the opportunity. The Test match is after three days, Rohit Sharma might not come as well,” said Kaif while speaking to Sony Sports.

However, Kaif feels Shubman will have to wait for his chance when Rohit Sharma returns to the team after recovering from a thumb injury.

“It is a tough call because of the template they are following in Test cricket. They are playing with five bowlers. You could have adjusted him if you were playing four bowlers. It will be difficult to fit him in. He might have to wait if Rohit Sharma comes back,” he added.

Praising his technique, Mohammad Kaif also backed Shubman Gill to succeed in all three formats.

“He has the form. If I am Shubman Gill at the moment, I will not think if my selection will happen or not, I have done my job. No one can stop him from becoming an all-format player,” said Kaif.

“Shubman Gill has the technique, scores runs consistently, and has the hunger. He scored in the IPL and won Gujarat Titans the title, has scored centuries in ODI and Test cricket, so his 2022 has been fantastic,” he concluded.