IND vs SA | It will be an honour to don Team India whites, says Shubman Gill
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Punjab's batting sensation Shubman Gill, who on Thursday received his maiden call-up to the Test team, revealed that it'll be an honour to don the Test whites if indeed he gets an opportunity. Gill also said that he is ready to bat in any position and that he is grateful for the opportunity given.
With Shubman Gill, it was always going to be a matter of "when" more than "if", and on Thursday, the years of hard work he'd put in finally paid off as the prodigy from Punjab received his maiden call-up to the Test team. Last month, Gill became the youngest batsman to score a double-century for an Indian representative side and with the kind of numbers he's put up, it is unsurprising to see why he's been called-up at such a young age.
The 20-year-old, who is now currently with the India 'A' squad for the unofficial Tests against South Africa, has revealed that he was taken aback by surprise when he heard of the news and that it was his teammates who broke the news initially to him.Ā
"I am in Trivandrum right now (for 1st unofficial Test vs South Africa A). When I came to the room, my teammates told me about the news. I immediately checked my phone. It was flooded with messages and missed calls. I am so happy right now. If I get a chance to play, I will give my best," Gill told Times of India.
Gill, who is in terrific form of late having scored a 90 in the recently concluded first unofficial Test against South Africa 'A', said that it was an honour for him to represent the Indian Test side and thanked the selectors for giving him the opportunity.Ā
"I am in good form. I know I missed out in West Indies (Tests). But this is a big opportunity for me and I want to score as I have been doing recently. A big thanks to the selectors. It will be an honour to don Team India whites," he said.Ā
With Rohit Sharma set to open the batting and Hanuma Vihari and Ajinkya Rahane having sealed their spots in the middle-order, it does look like he will be warming the bench for the time being. However, the youngster has asserted that he is ready to bat anywhere the team management wants him to bat in order to find a place in the team.Ā
"It will be obviously a big opportunity. I don't want to think about any slot. I will bat where my team wants me to. If they want me to open I will, if they want me to come down the order, I am ready for that as well," the 20-year-old concluded.
