‘Shubman plays cricketing shots even in T20 format’: Vengsarkar praises Gill ahead of WTC final
Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar said that Shubman Gill has the temperament to become a match-winner for India, ahead of the World Test Championship final from June 7-11 at the Oval against Australia. Vengsarkar also added that Gill was a cricketing shotmaker even in the T20 format, lending him a game that’s suitable for all formats.
“Shubman Gill is an outstanding cricketer. We expect a lot from him. He has a very bright future for India. He is a very skilful player. He has got a good temperament and all the other necessary qualities to play for India for a long time and developed into a match-winner, said Vengsarkar to the Hindustan Times.
He then added, “If you look at his batting carefully, the strokes he plays are mostly according to the manual. They are all cricketing shots even in the T20 format. That is why he is an all-format player.
Vengsarkar also said that Ajinkya Rahane should get the nod ahead of Suryakumar Yadav to start at Lords and the non availability of Rishab Pant should mean that KS Bharat would start in the India XI as well.
“English conditions are very different from what we see here in India or even in Australia. The ball can swing for a longer duration if conditions are like that. The length that the bowlers bowl is also a bit different. And if there is an extra bounce on offer then it is that much more difficult. So, I hope the Indian batters acclimatise very soon. They are all experienced players. They have toured England before. It’s the same for Australia. The team that adapts and acclimatises to the condition quicker will do well,” said Vengsarkar.
The conditions were a problem that Rohit Sharma could likely face, according to the 67-year-old. Sharma’s form for the Mumbai Indians during the 2023 IPL season was nowhere close to the mark. But Vengsarkar said that more than the form, it was the change in format that could cause an issue. Most Indian batsmen will not have the luxury of practice games, or preparatory camps ahead of the one-off Test match.
