Here's what Shubman said when it comes to role models
Shubman Gill hit the headlines on Thursday when he earned his maiden Test call-up, as he was included in the 15-member squad for the upcoming three-Test series against South Africa, starting October 2. He has been a sensation ever since India won the 2018 U-19 World Cup. Gill said that he just focuses on his training, asides trying to learn from his role models.
Speaking about his role models, Gill said that he used to consider Sachin Tendulkar as his first idol, after fascinated by his straight drive. He also considered Virat Kohli as the next idol for his sublime cover drive, asides also trying to follow his work ethics. "I know every player is different and you can't copy anyone," asserted Gill, reports Times of India.
"I know I can hit from the first ball. But, I also know how to play long knocks. It depends on the situation. These days, you have to have the ability to hit from the word go," Gill further reckoned.
Gill further said that he was just 17-year-old when he got into the Punjab side, which had Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh, who helped him grow as a player. He was also inspired by Yuvraj's journey. "The way he [Yuvi] looks at the game is so inspirational. That has helped me so much to get ready for the top grade of cricket," added Gill.
Gill also further noted that it is important to remain completely active on any given day and make every opportunity count. "Your game doesn't change in any of the formats, only your mental ability and situation changes. We have to just calculate the situation and take a certain amount of risks which are required," Gill noted, reports Cricbuzz.
Gill also further opined that the one thing he has learned from his father is to stay patient, as he always has the mindset to play a big innings, despite scoring a century. "I should not lose my concentration and should not play any loose shots. This is one habit I have adopted when I was young and it has helped me," opined Gill.
"Before every match, we have meetings where we analyze videos of bowlers we're likely to face. Personally, before going to sleep the night before, I visualize, I imagine facing up to those bowlers and playing my favorite shots," he quoted.
Considering Gill's First-Class performance of late, he has had a decent performance in the past five matches, scoring 354 runs at a sound average of 88.5, with the highest score of an unbeaten 204 against Windies A. Therefore, the author firmly believes that his inclusion is somewhat justified, but will have to prove his worth by continuing with the momentum.
