IPL 2020: Youngster Shubman Gill willing to open the innings for Kolkata Knight Riders

Upcoming Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Shubman Gill celebrated his 21st birthday with his teammates ahead of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The KKR team players observed the occasion with a lot of vigour inside their Abu Dhabi bio-bubble.

Shubman Gill is an exciting, talented player, known for his self-reliance and ability to play big knocks. He recently stated that he set his sights high on winning games for the teams he is representing. Currently, being part of the KKR squad in IPL 2020, the 21-year old looks confident to deliver for Dinesh Karthik-led side.

Gill became a member of the Kolkata-based franchise after his heroics at the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup. He became the ‘Player of the Tournament’ for amassing the most number of runs in the tournament. Since his stint at the KKR, Shubman Gill has played some flawless knocks batting at the middle order. 

Also Read | Shubman Gill is the future of Indian cricket: Rohit Sharma

In his maiden season, the Punjab-born smashed an unbeaten half-century against one of the best teams of the tournament, Chennai Super Kings. After announcing his arrival in style, Gill bettered his record in the 2019 edition of the multi-franchise league.

‘Will to open the innings’

Batting down the order, Gill has impressed all, including the skipper Dinesh Karthik and head coach Brendon McCullum. But now, the right-hander has expressed his will to open the innings for Kolkata. Gill asserted that he would opt to open if his team asks to do so in the forthcoming edition of the IPL. 

In an interview to PTI, the young lad said, “If I was given an option, I would prefer to open the innings.”

Looking at the resources available with KKR, Shubman Gill seems to be an apt choice for the opening slot. Whether Gill opens or not, he remains one of the key names to watch out for Kolkata this season.

Also Read | Shubman Gill speaks up on how Virat Kohli guides young players