‘Innings of a young man who seems to have a 35-year-old head on his shoulder’ - Little Master hails Shubman Gill after latter's double ton against NZ

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar hailed youngster Shubman Gill after his scintillating double century in the first ODI against New Zealand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, January 18.

The opener smashed 19 boundaries and nine sixes during his tantalising innings and courtesy of his remarkable knock, the Men in Blue posted 349 runs on board after 50 overs and eventually won the first ODI by 12 runs.

Gavaskar, who was calling the game from the commentary box, was mighty impressed by the young cricketer and appreciated Gill’s maturity, which was vivid enough throughout the course of his marathon innings. Addressing it as an unbelievable knock, the Little Master stated that Gill batted like a young man who seemed to have a 35-year-old head on his shoulders.

“It was an unbelievable innings. Innings of a young man who seems to have a 35-year-old head on his shoulder. The way he paced his innings, the way he was counterattacking the bowlers," Sunil Gavaskar told to India Today.

His innings certainly augurs well for the future and the ODI World Cup: Gavaskar

Despite scoring a double century in the third ODI against Bangladesh, the Indian team management dropped Ishan Kishan and gave Shubman Gill the opportunity to open alongside skipper Rohit Sharma. He has repaid the faith of the team management with consistent performances in the 50-over format ever since.

Gill hit a magnificent century in the final ODI against Sri Lanka and picked it up from where he had left with an even better knock against the Kiwis on Wednesday. Gavaskar, who was highly impressed with the intensity of Shubman's innings against the Black Caps extolled the youngster for the same. Gavaskar feels that Gill is certainly preparing well and getting ready for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India later this year.

“After the hundred, the way he went into top gear was simply fantastic to watch. It was a delight because at the end of the day he seemed as fresh as a daisy. His innings certainly augurs well for the future and the ODI World Cup,” the 73-year-old said.

Notably, the Indian team will now travel to Raipur for the second match of the ODI series.

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