Since the 2018 U19 World Cup in New Zealand, Punjab batsman Shubman Gill has been earmarked as one for the future.
The 20-year-old has already proved his mettle during India’ A’ tours. Also, he has been in contention for a place in the senior team for a while now.
During the last season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gill found his mojo at the top-order, batting alongside a star-studded Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) lineup. Gill’s performances at the big stages only went on to show the talent he possesses at such a young age.
In a recent chat, Gill revealed how a piece of advice from Indian captain Virat Kohli has kept him motivated.
“Yes, it’s definitely an advantage when your captain wants you to go all-in and there is no pressure. You won’t feel that there is one per cent of your game that would be left when you are on the field so it’s always good for the young players when the captain backs you,” IANS quoted Gill.
Back in 2019, Gill went on to receive his international cap during the ODI series in New Zealand. But since then, Gill has been only made to warm the benches in the subsequent Test series.
“I have interacted with him a couple of times. He just tells me to keep doing stuff that I am already doing and to have consistency on the field. Consistency is an important factor,” added the youngster.
It must have been a proud moment for a budding star to receive a compliment from the vice-captain of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma.
Rohit, who recently received a birthday wish from Gill, responded to his message by saying, “Thank you Future”.
When asked whether it puts additional pressure, Gill said: “Yes, it always feels good when someone like Rohit Sharma says that. I don’t feel any added pressure because that’s how I am. I don’t feel any pressure when one compliments me or if someone is critical.”
Gill concluded the interaction by talking about the challenges for cricketers amidst lockdown and remained optimistic about performing in the thirteenth edition of the IPL.
