After India completed their third straight ODI win over New Zealand to take a 3-0 lead in the series, captain Virat Kohli, who will be rested for the remaining two games, hinted that 19-year-old top-order batsman Shubman Gill could make his international debut.
Kohli lauded the youngster in his post-match comments. “I saw him bat in the nets and I was like, ‘Wow, I was not even ten per cent of that when I was 19!’”
It’s high praise, especially considering the source. But what’s the lowdown on the teen prodigy?
Who the hell?
In February 2017, Gill made his List A debut for his home state Punjab aged just 17 and has since gone on to establish himself as an integral part of their 50-over and four-day sides, after making his Ranji Trophy debut later that same year in November.
Challenges
First off, Gill has the biggest shoes in world cricket to fill, considering Kohli, perhaps the greatest ODI batsman of all time, is the man he’s replacing. Beyond that, holding onto his place when Kohli returns, in a team with plenty of batting options could prove tricky.
Final Word
“I actually feel Shubman Gill is a better player than Prithvi Shaw. I feel he is the best player in this [U19] team. He is a bit like Brian Lara and Kane Williamson” – Sourav Ganguly
