Former cricketer Ravi Shastri heaped praise on young Shubman Gill after the opener guided the Gujarat Titans to a memorable 6-wicket win over the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 16th match of the ongoing IPL 2022 on Friday (April 8).
Gill played an elegant knock of 96 off 59 balls laced with 11 boundaries and a solitary six to help Gujarat Titans chase down 190 against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to continue their winning streak in the ongoing IPL 2022. The new franchise has won all three matches in the tournament so far.
Shastri said to ESPNCricinfo: “He batted beautifully again, really really beautifully. The way he timed the ball, some of the shots he played on the back foot, the placement, the power, and the ability to hit in front of the square make him a standout player. He is one of the best young players in the world. People would love to pay money to watch him bat when in full flow.”
The cricket pundit also said that Gujarat Titans would want Gill to remain in the form to increase their chances of making the playoffs in their maiden IPL season.
He added, “He has hit some form. In his last two innings, he is striking it beautifully. And when you have an opener in form, who gets runs on a consistent basis your team will move up the table and be in a create position to make the playoffs. From Gujarat's point of view, they would be hoping that Shubman just carries on.”
Meanwhile, Shastri compared Gill to Virat Kohli for his style of play. The former coach noted, “Very few dot balls, he rotates the strike beautifully so he is a very busy player and has the ability to put the bad ball away. He reminds me of Virat Kohli at his prime - along the ground with power and making it look easy.”
On being asked if Shubman Gill would have a 600-700-run this season, Shastri said: “Easy.”
He signed off by saying, “As an opener if he strikes it the way he is and the Mumbai tracks will actually suit him. He is a tall player, upright, shot great shots of the back foot, got great hands. He will be stupid to waste this form, he is in prime form.”
(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)
