'There is something regal about him' - Ravi Shastri all praises for Shubman Gill

The second ODI between India and New Zealand was abandoned after a frustrating encounter with rain in Hamilton. However, India's young opening batter Shubman Gill managed to impress yet again in the rain-affected brief passage of play with a brisk 45* off 42 deliveries before the match was called off in the 13th over. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri lauded the dashing opener for his emphasis on timing the ball coupled with good footwork.

Shubman Gill's stocks are on the rise ever since a triumphant IPL campaign with Gujarat Titans showcased his immaculate maturity in white-ball cricket. While several young cricketers rely on their power-hitting abilities, Gill is all finesse and class at the top of the innings. Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri reckoned that the young opener is the future of Indian cricket and will 'be around for a long time'.

"His emphasis today was on the timing of the ball. Sometimes when you are out of your depth, you want to get on with it by trying to hit the ball hard. He was in good control with good footwork. It is great to watch him play. There is something regal about him. He is a quality player and he’s going to be around for a long time (a decade’s time). He has a good work ethic, he trains hard, he’s hungry and he loves this game. He will continue to play because his grooming is good, he is always grounded,” Ravi Shastri said in a chat with Prime Video.

You are looking at a player who is developing: Anjum Chopra

Former Indian Women's cricketer Anjum Chopra who is also part of the experts' panel on Amazon Prime, praised the young cricketer for making big strides in international cricket in the last 12 months. She also praised the management for not rushing him into the T20I side despite the recent struggles of Indian openers as Gill is one of the mainstays of the 50-over and red-ball sides and is still developing his game for the shortest format.

“Shubman’s strike rate has improved in international cricket. He is averaging a healthy 70 plus in international cricket so, you are looking at a player who is developing. In T20s, probably I can now understand why the India team doesn’t want to give him an opportunity right now. Let him become a more traditional player of ODIs and Test match level as well but T20I is a game he is very close to," Chopra added.