Shubman Gill Reveals His Two Idols Ahead of Coveted India-Pakistan Clash

Shubman Gill will take the field as India’s vice-captain in Sunday’s clash against Pakistan.

Shubman Gill Reveals His Two Idols Ahead of Coveted India-Pakistan Clash

L- Shubman Gill (via CricTracker); R- Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli (via NDTV Sports)

India is regarded as a hub for producing great batters over the generations. From the likes of Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli and now Shubham Gill. Modern day superstar Gill, with his batting prowess, has taken world cricket by storm in recent months.

His exuberance with the bat in the recent India vs. England Test series was lauded by the game’s greats. As Gill steps into the massive India vs. Pakistan clash on Sunday (September 14), he disclosed his biggest idols. They were none other than India’s finest produced batters, Tendulkar and Kohli.

I have had two idols. The first one was Sachin Tendulkar. He was my dad’s favorite, and I actually got into cricket because of him. He retired in 2013, and around 2011–2013 was when I really started to understand cricket properly, not just the skills, but also the mental and tactical side of the game.

Shubman Gill said via Apple Music podcast

Gill’s budding years as a cricketer were highly impacted by Sachin Tendulkar‘s aura in the Indian dressing room. Just like many other kids in the country, Gill aspired to follow the path of the master blaster, and so far he has done a lot to tick that box.

That was also the time I began following Virat Kohli closely. I loved watching the way he went about his business, the sheer passion he had for the game, and the hunger he carried. You can learn all the skills and all the techniques, but hunger is something you either have or you don’t. Virat had it in abundance, and that really inspired me.

Shubman Gill added

Many have believed that Gill has rightly taken the baton from Virat Kohli for making Indian batting proud in world cricket. Hailed as the ‘Prince of Indian cricket’, Gill is regarded as the deputy to Kohli’s genius who is regarded as the ‘King of Indian cricket.’

Gill is at the peak of his powers currently and has shown great form in the last six months. If anything, he will look to dominate the Asia Cup and add more trophies to his cabinet.

Wasim Akram’s commentary goes viral during Shubman Gill’s batting at Asia Cup

Pakistan legend Wasim Akram has been all praise for India’s modern day superstar Shubman Gill. He has backed Gill consistently and hasn’t shied away from any compliments for the Indian batter. Recently, Akram was on commentary while Gill was batting, and one shot made Akram jump out of his seat to cheer for the batter.

Wasim Akram gets excited in commentary box as Shubman Gill shows his class.
Shubman Gill (via Delhi Breaking News) and Wasim Akram (via CricToday)

His words of appreciation went viral as Gill bestowed his class upon the United Arab Emirates’ bowlers. It was the last ball of the second over when Gill played one of the best shots of the match. UAE’s left arm pace bowler Rohid Khan bowled a length delivery outside leg stump.

Gill stepped out and converted it into a half volley, which he nonchalantly flicked over the square leg fielder for six. Akram couldn’t quite believe Gill’s class there and was seen shouting in praise for the batter.

Look at that shot, look at that shot, unbelievable! Into the stands. Just a flick of the risk, unbelievable shot.

Wasim Akram said during Asia Cup commentary

Akram himself, being regarded as the greatest left arm bowler of all time, probably understood the complexes of hitting that shot best. Gill played a quick fire 20 off 9 balls in the chase as India chased down UAE’s 57 in just 4.3 overs with 9 wickets to spare. Gill seems to have locked the opening spot until the T20 World Cup next year and will look to form a solid partnership with aggressive partner Abhishek Sharma.

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