Former India coach Gary Kirsten believes that young Indian batsman Shubman Gill should not be compared to cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Kirsten acknowledges Gill’s immense talent and considers him a multi-format player with the potential to become one of the best players in the world.
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Gary Kirsten’s Statement on Shubman Gill Comparison to Virat Kohli
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Kirsten stated, “He is a young player who has incredible skill and determination to be one of the best players in the world. It would be unfair to compare him to Sachin and Virat Kohli so early in his journey.” Kirsten emphasizes the need to allow Gill the time and space to develop his game without the burden of unreasonable expectations.
Gill showcased his brilliance during the IPL 2023 season, where he performed exceptionally well for his team, GT. He finished the tournament with the Most Valuable Player title and came close to surpassing Virat Kohli’s record of 973 runs scored in 2016. Kirsten believes that Gill has the potential to excel in all three formats of the game, which is a rare quality in today’s cricket landscape dominated by T20 cricket.
When asked about Gill’s upcoming challenge in the World Test Championship against Australia, Kirsten expressed confidence in the young batter’s abilities. He stated, “Shubman has all the credentials to become a great player for India, across all the formats. Like any player, he will face challenges and obstacles, and how he handles those and continues to progress will determine his long-term success.” Kirsten advises Gill to keep learning and seek guidance from trusted mentors who can help him navigate his career.
It is evident that Kirsten holds high hopes for Gill and believes that he possesses the necessary skills and temperament to succeed at the highest level. However, Kirsten urges caution against premature comparisons with legends like Tendulkar and Kohli, as it could put unnecessary pressure on the young batsman. With continued growth, learning, and the right guidance, Gill has the potential to establish himself as one of India’s finest cricketers in all formats of the game.
