In the rain-affected first T20I against Australia in Canberra, Shubman Gill delivered a batting masterclass, drawing strong comparisons to Virat Kohli’s renowned composure and efficiency. The Indian vice-captain appeared effortlessly in control at the top of the innings, remaining unbeaten on a sublime 37 runs from just 20 deliveries before the match was ultimately abandoned due to rain.
Shubman Gill (Pic credit: BCCI)
Gill’s knock, characterized by impeccable timing and fluid strokeplay, underscored a newfound maturity that is rapidly becoming a signature aspect of his game. He managed to dominate the Australian bowlers, scoring at an impressive strike rate of 185, all while meticulously avoiding unnecessary risks.
A notable highlight included a video segment titled “Shubman Gill vs Jasprit Bumrah in the nets: Exciting contest between star players,” which showcased intense practice sessions.
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik expressed his admiration, drawing a direct parallel between Gill’s approach and that of batting legend Virat Kohli. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik remarked, “This is precisely how Virat Kohli operates in ODIs. You won’t realize his true impact until you check the scorecard; he’ll seemingly be batting casually and suddenly you’ll find him at 45 runs.”
Karthik further emphasized that Gill’s innings perfectly emulated Kohli’s hallmark trait of scoring runs effortlessly, without ever seeming rushed.
Karthik also addressed the fierce competition prevalent within India’s T20 squad, highlighting that securing a top-order spot for Gill is by no means guaranteed.
“He is undoubtedly aware of the caliber of players he is currently ahead of, including openers like Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and other strong contenders such as Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul. Being a T20 international player today demands extraordinary consistency, exceptional skill, and the ability to deliver match-winning performances almost every other game. Such is the incredible depth of talent in Indian cricket,” Karthik elaborated.
Karthik firmly believes that Gill’s rising status as a leader – captaining in Tests and ODIs, and serving as vice-captain in T20Is – has significantly bolstered his self-confidence.
“His roles as India’s captain and vice-captain undoubtedly instill a great deal of confidence in him. While that provides a foundation, ultimately, a player must perform on the field and score runs, which Gill executed brilliantly today,” Karthik concluded.
As India continues its preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup, Gill’s developing ability to perfectly blend aggressive flair with unwavering focus could prove to be a crucial asset.