'Losing the first WTC final is really motivating us'- Shubman Gill excited to play summit clash against Australia

Shubman Gill is enjoying a great run of form in the ongoing IPL 2023 as he’s the leading run scorer for Gujarat Titans with 339 runs to his name at an average of 37.66 and a strike rate of 140.66. The opener has carried his form from international cricket into the T20 extravaganza. Recently during Gujarat’s fourth fixture of the tournament against Punjab Kings, Gill was criticized by former India batter Virender Sehwag for his strike rate during the middle overs of the innings.

During the match, the opener scored 67 off 49 balls and got out in the last over with his team needing six runs off the last four balls. Sehwag was of the opinion, that the youngster should’ve attacked more in the middle and not taken the game so deep. Recently, the 23-year-old echoed KL Rahul’s thoughts and said that the strike rate is over-rated as the batter should have the ability to play in all situations and conditions.

“I think strike-rate does have importance in T20. The more you will score, the more cushion your bowlers will have. Even if you are chasing a higher total, the strike rate does play an important role. But, especially looking at this year, low-scoring games have been difficult in chases. Strike rate is definitely important but it’s a bit over-rated, because, as a batter, you should be able to play in all situations and conditions,” was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

Gill has been having a dream run in 2023 as he’s scored centuries in all three formats of the game in the first three months of the year. After the end of the IPL, the Punjab-born batter will be featuring in India’s next assignment i.e. World Test Championship 2023 final against Australia.

I am really looking forward to go to England and play against Australia: Gill

The Indian opener, Shubman Gill has scored two hundreds in his last four Tests and is raring to go in the big game. Talking about the summit clash, Gill highlighted the importance of being at your best throughout the five days of the game. He further stated that losing the first edition of WTC against New Zealand is motivating the entire team to win the upcoming final.

“I think that is going to be a really important five days for us. We have worked really hard as a team over the last couple of years, having played the last WTC final in Southampton against New Zealand and having that result not go our way, and that is really motivating us. I am really looking forward to go to England and play against Australia,” he added.

India and Australia will lock horns in the WTC final 2023 from June 7, at The Oval, in London.