Shubman Gill’s got the talent, but he needs to keep his head down: Gautam Gambhir

Tags: India, Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill

Published on: Jan 28, 2021

Former India batsman Gautam Gambhir has agreed that Shubman Gill must open the batting with Rohit Sharma in the England series, but added that one should not put pressure on him as these are still early days in his international career. Gill made his Test debut in Australia, and scored 259 runs in three matches series, with two fifties, including the 91 in the record chase at Gabba. According to Gambhir, while Gill has made an impressive start to his Test career, things can get tough at the big stage, and hence he must remain grounded.

Speaking on Star Sports’ show Game Plan ahead of the England series, Gambhir said, “See, he should be opening with Rohit Sharma, no doubt about it, but let’s not jump the gun. You just can’t put someone really high up there. Yes, he’s got the talent, but he needs to keep his head down, because international cricket can be tough.”

Gill came into the picture after Prithvi Shaw had a miserable first Test in Adelaide. After getting two starts at Melbourne, he registered his maiden fifty at the SCG, before falling nine short of a maiden ton at the Gabba.

Gambhir added that Gill should not be burdened with the pressure of expectations. “Playing in Australia, winning this series with a young side, you’ve done really well, you batted beautifully. No doubt about it, but let’s give him time as well and let him develop on its own, rather than putting too much of pressure and putting too much of expectations on him,” the former India opener further said.

Despite India having the upper hand, Gambhir felt India cannot take England lightly following their 2-0 victory in Sri Lanka. He further said, “England, coming after a successful series against Sri Lanka, it’s not going to be the same. Obviously, India’s a far better side than Sri Lanka, but then England is a quality side as well.

"So, India needs to be at its best, but at the same time, India will be high on confidence, especially after what they did in Australia was historic, but I am looking forward to this series,” the 39-year-old opined.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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