Former India coach Ravi Shastri has lauded the spirit and technique of young opener Shubman Gill and said that the batter is here to stay for a long time. This came after a stoic batting effort in the rain-affected second ODI between New Zealand and India at Hamilton which was called off.
Rains had already delayed the toss at the start and then came back to interrupt the game when 12.5 overs were bowled. The match was then reduced to 29 overs per side, but the downpour returned when 12.5 overs were bowled and India scored 89/1.
Shubman Gill made 45* in 42 balls with 4 fours and 1 six, while Suryakumar Yadav made 34* in 25 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes to his name. Shikhar Dhawan had fallen for 3 runs to Matt Henry.
Speaking to Prime Video, the former India head coach Ravi Shastri lauded the youngster’s timing and highlighted his hunger for runs.
“His emphasis today was in the timing of the ball. Sometimes when you are out of your depth, you want to get on with it by trying to hit the ball hard. He was in good control with good footwork. It is great to watch him play. There is something regal about him.
He is a quality player and he’s going to be around for a long time (decade’s time). He has good work ethics, he trains hard, he’s hungry and he loves this game. He will continue to play because his grooming is good, he is always grounded,” Shastri said.
The third and final ODI will be played at Christchurch on Wednesday, November 30.
