Be it his penchant for match-altering displays, his aesthetically pleasing strokeplay or his gifted timing, Shubman Gill has given Indian cricket lovers multiple reasons to rejoice over the past four years. (More Cricket News)
Gill made his international debut at Hamilton during India’s tour of New Zealand in January 2019, and has been wowing audiences and critics alike with his skills. The top-order batter from Punjab has made a mark on the highest stage in a short span, and promises to become Team India’s torchbearer after the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma walk into the sunset. Currently, he is in action at the Asia Cup (matches can be seen free on mobile on Disney + Hotstar).
As the latest Indian cricket heartthrob turns 24, let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit five eye-catching batting performances by him in one-day internationals (ODIs) and T20 internationals (T20Is).
1. 130 Vs Zimbabwe — ODI series, August 2022
Unfortunately, India did not have a great start as they struggled to 63 for one in 15 overs after opting to bat for the first time in the series. But Gill, who was only 22 at the time, proved his mettle with his maiden international century. He took India to 289 for eight in the third and final ODI against Zimbabwe in August 2022.
2. 116 Vs Sri Lanka — ODI series, January 2023
Gill, like any other cricketer did not achieve his first milestone without a few nervous moments. However, the exceptional right-handed batter did not lose any time in scoring his second ODI century. This time, against Sri Lanka. Gill smashed his second ODI century in the final ODI of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka in January 2023. Gill scored the ton off just 89 deliveries.
3. 126* Vs New Zealand — New Zealand Tour of India, January 2023
The youngster translated his maiden T20I half-century into a hundred in the third T20I against New Zealand in Ahmedabad in January 2023. He also became the fifth Indian batter to score at least one century across all the three formats. Shubman's knock also happens to be the highest individual score by an Indian in T20Is.
4. 85 Vs West Indies — India Tour of West Indies, August 2023
During India's tour of West Indies in 2023, Gill played a crucial role in the third ODI. With the series level at 1-1, Gill top-scored for the visitors with a 92-ball 85 and propelled them to an insurmountable total of 351. Gill's ability to pace his innings proved vital as India secured a series-clinching win.
5. 67 Vs Nepal — Asia Cup 2023
The star opener scored an imperious 67 runs from 62 balls for India against Nepal in their Group A match of 2023 Asia Cup. Gill marked yet another milestone by becoming the fastest batter in ODI history to complete 1,500 runs in this match.
The youngster has already left an indelible mark in international cricket with his stellar batting performances. From memorable debuts to match-winning knocks, as he continues to grow and evolve as a cricketer, one can only expect more exceptional moments from him in the years to come.
