‘That was a big statement’- Simon Doull recalls moment when he termed Shubman Gill ‘better’ than Prithvi Shaw

Shikhar Dhawan-led team India lost first of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday. Batting first, team India posted a total of 306/7 in their stipulated 50 overs against the Kiwis before the latter chased it down successfully.

Shubman Gill, who has donned the national team outfit after quite some time, got a half-century (50) to his name in 65 balls at a strike rate of 76.92. New Zealand cricketer turned commentator Simon Doull recalled the time when he gauged the right-hander and deemed him to be a ‘better’ batter than Prithvi Shaw back in 2018 in the U19 World Cup.

"Shubman Gill is a far better player than Prithvi Shaw, which at that time was a big statement," Doull said during commentary in the ongoing India vs New Zealand match in Auckland.

Harsha Bhogle, who was also present in the commentary box during the time, shared more details about Doull's four-year-old comment.

"I remember sending a text to Doull asking about Gill and Shaw and he said Gill,” added Harsha Bhogle.

Gill was team India's highest run scorer with 372 runs in the 2018 U19 World Cup and the former New Zealand cricketer had observed his sensational batting up close from the commentary box during the event.

Meanwhile, the Men in Blue saw top knocks from skipper Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer with the duo scoring 72 and 80 runs respectively. While the rest of the pack too managed to get the vital runs on the board that handed the side a competitive score of 306 runs to defend.

However, New Zealand ended up winning the contest and take a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series thanks to Tom Latham's sensational century (145* off 104) and Kane Williamson's unbeaten 94 off 98. The two teams will now meet in the second ODI in Hamilton on November 27.