Young Indian opener Shubman Gill revealed the quality in Virat Kohli that really inspires him after their partnership played a key role in Team India’s 70-run win over New Zealand in the first semifinal of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on November 15.
Gill made 80* and added 93* runs with Kohli (117) for the second wicket to set the tone for the Indian cricket team before retiring hurt due to cramps at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.
Well, the talented right-hander said that he is really inspired by Kohli's relentless hunger for success on the field.
Shubman Gill said after the match, “It's not so much about the skill that he has, but it's more about the hunger when he goes there and the intensity with which he plays the game is what inspires me.”
Speaking about his role as opener, he said: “My role is just to play my game in the powerplay, look for good shots, look for good boundaries, and then once the powerplay's over, I can rotate the strike.”
Meanwhile, Gill revealed that he not only suffered cramps, but also pulled his hamstring during the semifinal match against the Black Caps, but he is confident to be fully fit for the title clash in Ahmedabad on November 19.
Gill stressed: “I will definitely be fit for Sunday's final against either Australia or South Africa.”
Indian fast bowlers Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj are in spectacular form in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, and Gill said they are tough to face even in practice.
He signed off by saying, “It's very difficult in the nets. But it is fun to play because even Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami — they enjoy playing us in nets, and it is definitely very challenging.”
Notably, Team India will face either Australia or South Africa in the CWC 2023 final which is set to played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19.
(With AFP Inputs)
