India batting prodigy Shubman Gill brought up his second half-century of the Border Gavaskar series on day five in Brisbane. However, the youngster’s bat sponsor, or lack thereof, has confused the fans.
Gill looked in splendid touch throughout the fifth morning, putting on an impressive show of his talent and temperament. The right-hander had a false shot percentage of just 3 per cent in his half-century – an attribute second only to Virat Kohli among all Indians with a 50-plus score in Australia. On-air commentators heaped praise on his decision-making and technique, as well as his assured approach overall.
With the youngster dishing out increasingly impressive performances on the tour, many were left bemused with his sticker-less, ‘naked’ bat.
So…which way is it heading? MRF or CEAT?
Of course, I’m talking about Shubman’s bat sponsor. It’s almost preposterous to see no sticker on his bat. 😳😱 #AusvInd
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 19, 2021
How Shubman Gill can play that pull shot and still not have a bat sponsor I’ll never know…
— Kieran (@BerbaSpinCric) January 18, 2021
Gill reminds me of Mayank from last BGT. Made debut after 1st choice opener failed, plays with a bat with no sponsors and most importantly, performed well
— MM (@aapkasuroor_) January 18, 2021
Shubman Gill has the naked bat. I reckon might be a few sponsors lining up to get a bit of this exciting young batsman
— Peter Lalor (@plalor) January 16, 2021
Shubman Gill doesn’t have a bat sponsor? @graynics please do the needful. Elite players need elite bat#AUSvIND
— Chiggy Viggy (@IdlySambhar) January 16, 2021
Gill through the covers without a bat sponsor is 🔥 #AUSvIND
— Denzel Washington Sundar (@GoldenViews00) January 19, 2021
Give Gill a bat sponsor please. 🙏#AUSvIND
— Jay (@bhavsarJ2_0) January 19, 2021
As always, some fans exercised their meme muscles, bringing in a bit of fun into the discussion.
With each shot, Gill’s next bat sponsor lose little bit more money 💰💰💰
— sayed sabbir (@sayedsabbir71) January 19, 2021
Shubman Gill’s bat is sponsored by all the guys better at cover driving than him
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) January 19, 2021
Shubham Gill once mocked Lord Shardul for his batting. Now he has no bat sponsor. #AusvInd
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 19, 2021