Irfan Pathan thinks Shubman Gill’s style of batting is like Virat Kohli’s batting style. Both players approach T20 cricket matches in a similar way.
Shubman Gill hit 89 runs without getting out from 48 balls. His team, Gujarat Titans, gave Punjab Kings a target of 200 runs in an IPL game on April 4 in Ahmedabad. Despite Gill’s great batting, Punjab Kings managed to score the required runs with three wickets and one ball remaining.
During a discussion on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan noticed that Shubman Gill has learnt Virat Kohli’s techniques for playing in T20 cricket matches.
“A lot of glimpses of Virat Kohli are seen in him in T20 cricket. How does Virat play in T20 cricket? He tries to play with control but still his strike rate remains good. So he (Gill) is trying to bat in that fashion. He is young for sure but we got to see the control and correct cricket, but despite that, if the strike goes close to 200, it’s praiseworthy.”
Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan added:
“We see fours and sixes but if we have a look at the running between the wickets, it is exceptional. Fitness makes a huge difference. He gets ready for the second run as soon as he plays a shot. I spoke about batting, but I feel he admires Virat Kohli even in running between the wickets and tries to follow him a little.”
Irfan Pathan
Gill scored 31 runs from the first 22 balls he faced. The elegant opener then pressed the throttle, scoring 58 runs in his final 26 deliveries.
Sanjay Manjrekar Lauds Shubman Gill’s Superb IPL Innings
Sanjay Manjrekar believes Shubman Gill delivered one of his best IPL performances.
“I feel this was one of his best IPL innings. We know it’s not a playoff match or a final but a league game. However, he had to play with a little responsibility because they were batting first today. It’s difficult while batting first and setting targets.”
“When a guy plays a little like anchoring and maintains a strike rate close to 140, and after that, reaches close to 200, it’s a special talent. When his father was so happy, you can understand what a special knock he played. One of his finest IPL innings.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar commended Shubman Gill for not going for the hundred. He saw that the Gujarat Titans captain was eager to hand the strike to Rahul Tewatia even as he approached a century.