'Like Roger Federer' - Former Pakistan captain compares Shubman Gill to Swiss tennis legend

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has heaped praise on Shubman Gill after the latter's brilliant double century against New Zealand in the first game of the ongoing three-match ODI series on January 18. Gill played a match-winning knock against the Black Caps and became the youngest men's cricketer to score a double century in ODI history. 

Shubman broke numerous records during his marathon knock. He also became the fastest Indian batter to reach the milestone of 1000 ODI runs. He was awarded the Player of the Match for his stellar innings as India eventually won the high-scoring clash by 12 runs.

He is one of his kind: Salman Butt

The former Pakistan cricketer compared Gill's elegant stroke play to the playing style of tennis legend Roger Federer, highlighting how the Indian batter relies more on finesse and skill rather than power. Butt admitted that he had been admiring the 23-year-old ever since he played in the inaugural World Test Championship Final in 2021.

"This is a different kind of cricket that Gill is playing. It is almost like Roger Federer who plays his shots with incredible quality and touch. The finesse that Shubman Gill has shown in his game is very rare in players with such a young age. He is one of his kind and there is a glimpse of greatness," the 38-year-old said in a video on his YouTube channel.

"I have been a fan of Gill ever since he played in that World Test Championship final against New Zealand in England due to the time that he has and the elegance and the finish that he has in his strokes. You won't see many touch players like him in international cricket.

There is talk of only power hitters everywhere these days. "It was not just about his touch shots but also about the way he scored his runs despite all major batters getting out at the other end at regular intervals.

The way he picked and chose his shots and the bowlers to target showed that his game has already developed to a greater extent," the left-handed batter concluded.

Gill has scored back-to-back ODI centuries, and he would like to continue his rich vein of form in the second ODI as well which will be played in Raipur on January 21.

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