India batter Shubman Gill has impressed one and all with his stunning exploits in 2023. The lanky right-hander has slammed five international centuries this year so far, including a double ton in an ODI match against New Zealand.

With marquee tournaments like the Asia Cup and the World Cup around the corner, Gill is expected to play a crucial role for the Men in Blue.

Ahead of the Asia Cup 2023, slated to get underway on August 30, Shubman shared his experience of opening with Rohit Sharma while also adding that the Indian skipper gives everyone the freedom to play their natural game.

"It feels great to be able to open with him, especially knowing that all the focus is on him," Gill was quoted as saying by the 'ICC'.

"He's someone who likes the other batters to go and just express himself and play the way I want to play the game. So in that nature, he gives the players full freedom for how they want to express their game," he added.

Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma have batted together in ODI innings so far, amassing 685 runs at an average of 76.11.

Gill believes his and Rohit's contrasting batting styles make their opening partnerships successful.

"I think because his (Rohit's) targeted areas are a bit different (to mine). He loves to go aerial in the Powerplay,” he stated.

"And I'm someone who likes to find the gaps and keep getting those boundaries, and he's someone who likes to hit sixes. So I think that combination works well," Gill remarked.  

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in Pallekele on September 2, while the Rohit Sharma-led side will take on Australia in their World Cup opener on October 8 in Chennai.

(With PTI Inputs)