No better place to make my international debut than New Zealand, says Shubman Gill
After being included in the limited-overs series in New Zealand yesterday, Shubman Gill has revealed that there was no better venue for him to make his debut for India. Gill had a tremendous 2018 season which saw him win the U-19 World Cup and feature in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders as well.
The Indian cricket team succumbed to a 34-run loss in the series-opening ODI against Australia on Saturday despite a valiant century from opener - Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli & Co. were handed a boost ahead of the second match as all-rounder Vijay Shankar was added to the ODI squad after Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul who
19-year old youngster Shubman Gill, who was also part of Rahul Dravid’s India Colts team who
"It is a big advantage (to be picked for the New Zealand tour). I played well there in the U-19 World Cup and now again I have got the opportunity," Gill said on Sunday after getting the news of his life, late Saturday night.
"As I have done well there, I can say that there isn't much adjustment needed in the technique. If I get an opportunity, I will have just need to handle the pressure that comes with playing for India. Mentally, it will be different for sure but I am ready," Gill told PTI sources.
The Mohali-based cricketer has followed in the footsteps of U-19 captain Prithvi Shaw who was also part of the Indian team, in the longer format. Gill enjoyed a fairytale 2018 season which also seen him bag a lucrative IPL contract during which he also scored a mammoth 790 runs in 10 innings at 98.75 in Punjab's latest Ranji Trophy campaign.
"At this time last year we went for the World Cup and now I have got an India call-up. Yes, last one year has been great but I would see this as a result of work put in by me ever since I started playing the game," Gill added.
The 19-year old will serve as a direct replacement for the suspended KL Rahul for the series against New Zealand which is scheduled to start from January 23. The Indian batting-order seems to be sorted at the moment but Gill can still get to play during the five ODIs and three T20s against the Black Caps.
"The call was unexpected but I understand the circumstances in which I have been picked. I have a pretty set target in mind. I have done well at all the levels I have played in so far and that has given me the belief that I can also excel in international cricket," added Gill.
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