Former Indian cricketers Sanjay Bangar and Navjot Singh Sidhu are of the opinion that Shubman Gill will assume a pivotal role in the batting lineup over the coming years. The 25-year-old batsman from Punjab, who has recently been appointed as the vice-captain for One Day Internationals (ODIs), has demonstrated exceptional form in the 50-over format, achieving the status of World No. 1 in ODIs.

Gill has recorded impressive scores of 101 not out and 46 in matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan during the ICC Men's Champions Trophy. His performance in both games has been outstanding, with a particularly notable innings against Pakistan, where he was dismissed only by a remarkable delivery from Abrar Ahmed.

Prior to the Champions Trophy, Gill showcased his prowess in a three-match ODI series against England, accumulating a total of 259 runs.

Sanjay Bangar has expressed confidence in Gill's strong foundational skills, which he believes provide the young batsman with essential confidence each time he steps onto the field. 

“Clearly, he’s the player who will bear the responsibility of the Indian team in the years ahead. His foundational skills are exceptionally solid, complemented by nearly two-and-a-half years of consistent performance in one-day cricket. He has been phenomenal in this format,” Bangar stated on JioHotstar.

“Observe how he plays the straight drive and the on-drive; these are shots that typically do not require excessive force. However, he is able to strike the ball with such power that it reaches the fielders positioned within the 30-yard circle. This exemplifies the remarkable timing he possesses,” he further elaborated.

'Emerged from shadows of a banyan tree'

Last week, Shubman Gill ascended to the pinnacle of the ICC ODI rankings, surpassing Pakistan's Babar Azam. Gill currently holds 796 rating points, while Babar stands at 773.

Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu believes that Gill has stepped out from the overshadowing presence of established players, particularly Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who he likens to a banyan tree under which little can thrive. Sidhu remarked that Gill's aggressive performance against Pakistan in Dubai was striking and left the opposition reeling.

“Observe, nothing flourishes beneath a banyan tree, and in Indian cricket, that tree represents Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, when you witness Shubman Gill's two straight drives and his powerful cover drive, it resembles a sudden onslaught that catches the opponents off guard; it is truly remarkable,” Sidhu stated on JioHotstar.

“This individual has emerged from the shadows of that banyan tree and has matured significantly. It is challenging to articulate this. One assesses a player's capability by their accomplishments rather than their intentions. When you guide your team to victory after scoring a century without squandering your wicket, that sense of responsibility enhances your performance,” he further elaborated.

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