'I was one of his biggest fans'- Brad Evans on bringing Shubman Gill's jersey to post-match press conference

Shubman Gill registered his maiden century during the third and final One Day International against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Monday, August 22. After his match-winning ton, Gill found a new fan in Zimbabwean cricketer Brad Evans as the latter brought the emerging batter’s jersey to the post-match press conference.

Explaining the reason behind bringing Shubman’s jersey, Evans said that he is a huge fan of Gill and enjoyed watching the youngster bat. At the same time, Brad also mentioned that he has watched Shubman Gill play in the IPL, where he has so far represented the Kolkata Knight Riders and the reigning champions Gujarat Titans. Furthermore, he also heaped praise on Gill’s match-winning 91 against Australia in the second innings of the Gabba Test last year.

Shubman Gill is a world-class player: Brad Evans

“Yeah, for sure (he was one of the factors in deciding the series) Going into the series, I was one of his biggest fans, that’s why I got his shirt, and now I’m playing against him. He is a world-class player”, said Evans during the post-match interaction.

“Even from the first game, you could just tell… For example, when he gets a single, he hits it hard exactly where he intends to. That’s a skill, and it comes after years of practice. I just sometimes watch him in awe ‘this guy is so good.’ That’s a reason I’m a fan. I watched him on TV in the IPL and in Australia when they won that Test series. That’s a reason I’m a fan. To play against him was awesome,” he added.

“I was just walking back (after that match). I just gave him my shirt. He took his shirt off and gave it to me. It was quite quick. I had actually asked him in the morning if we could change shirts, and he agreed. He’s a nice guy,” Evans further added.

Brad Evans had an outstanding day with the ball in hand as he registered a five-wicket haul to finish with figures of 5/54 from his 10 overs at an economy of 5.4.  Shubman Gill, on the other hand, scored a quickfire 130 off 97 deliveries that propelled the Men in Blue to 289/8. It was a case of so near yet so far for the hosts as they were bundled out for 276 in the final over despite Sikandar Raza’s vital 115.