Shubman Gill‘s recent performances in both international cricket and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 have not only earned him a bulk of praise but also sparked a massive debate among cricket enthusiasts. While many think Gill resonates with India’s legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, some feel it’s quite early to compare the youngster with the ‘God of Cricket’.
Notably, Gill’s batting technique resembles Sachin’s, and he recently etched his name into the history books by becoming the youngest cricketer to hammer a double ton in ODI cricket. Although Gill’s career has just started, he has already scored tons in all three formats of the game and is only the fifth Indian to do so. The 23-year-old even went on to slam three centuries in the recently concluded IPL 2023 and won the Orange Cap for finishing as the leading run scorer in the league.
The golden run of Gill made many wonder and discuss if he’s someone who could play the role of Sachin in the Indian team and carry the legend’s legacy forward. However, there were some who weren’t thrilled by the discussion as well. Amidst all the debate and comparison talks, World Cup-winning veteran Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram has now drawn similarities between Gill and Sachin.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Akram stated that irrespective of the format, any bowler bowling to Gill would feel that he’s bowling to Sachin. The all-time great pacer further lauded Gill for his proper cricketing shots across formats and hailed him as the future superstar of world cricket.
“When I bowl to a player like Gill, even in T20 format, it’s like I am bowling to Sachin Tendulkar in one-day cricket in the first 10 overs, when only two fielders were allowed (outside the 30-yard circle),” said Akram.
“If I had to bowl to Jayasuriya or Kaluwitharna, I knew I had a chance. I can get them out as they hit on every ball. But, players like Sachin and Gill, they play proper cricketing shots. I think he is the kind of player who can score in all three formats consistently. He is a future superstar of world cricket,” he added.
It is worth mentioning that Gill is currently in England, preparing for World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 Final against Australia that starts from June 7.
