Widely touted as the next all-format superstar of Indian cricket, Shubman Gill impressed one and all with his stunning exploits in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition.

Playing for Gujarat Titans (GT), the right-hander finished the season as the highest run-getter with 890 runs to his name from 17 innings at a strike rate of 157.80, including three centuries and four fifties.

While GT failed to cross the final hurdle and lost to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the summit clash, Gill bagged the Most Valuable Player award for his brilliance in IPL 16.

After his IPL 2023 performance, Shubman has been compared to some of the greatest Indian batters, including the likes of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar.

However, former India head coach Gary Kirsten, who is also the mentor for GT, has said that it is unfair on Gill to be compared to the legends of the game so early in his career.

“He is a young player who has incredible skill and determination to be one of the best players in the world. It would be unfair to compare him to Sachin and Virat so early in his journey," Kirsten told Cricbuzz.

“I believe he has the game to successfully play across all three formats for India. You don’t often see that, these days, particularly as T20 cricket is developing and progressing so fast,” he added.

Shubman Gill is part of the Indian team that will take on Australia in the World Test Championship final at the Oval from June 7 to 11.

Asked about Gill’s ability to play a critical role against Australia, Kirtsen backed the 23-yer-old to deliver.

“Shubman has all the credentials to become a great player for India, across all the formats. Like any player he will be met with challenges and obstacles; how he handles those and keeps progressing will ultimately determine his long-term success. I would encourage him to keep learning and to engage with those who can offer him trusted counsel," the 55-year-old remarked.