England men’s Test cricket team head coach, Brendon McCullum, has expressed strong support for 24-year-old Indian batter Shubman Gill, despite Gill’s recent struggles with form. McCullum, who had the opportunity to work with Gill during his coaching tenure with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, believes that Gill possesses an exceptional talent that surpasses that of many international cricketers.
Having served as KKR’s head coach in IPL 2020 and 2021, McCullum’s interactions with Gill seem to have left a lasting impression on him. He described Gill as an immensely skilled cricketer who stands out with his remarkable talent. Gill, who achieved the distinction of being the youngest batter to achieve a double century in ODIs earlier in the year, faced challenges in the recent series against the West Indies, failing to replicate his previous successes.
While Gill’s form has raised concerns, McCullum’s endorsement of Gill’s talent and abilities remains steadfast. The 24-year-old Gill, who represented KKR from 2018 to 2021, managed to secure a single fifty each in ODIs and T20Is during the matches against the West Indies. This performance, however, has not deterred McCullum’s belief in Gill’s potential.
“He’s someone who has more talent than most of the international players”, Brendon McCullum on Shubman Gill
Speaking at the CEAT Awards show in Mumbai, McCullum shared his admiration for Gill’s talent, emphasizing that Gill possesses greater aptitude than most international players. Gill’s record-breaking achievement of scoring a double century in ODIs, accomplished by smashing 208 runs off 149 balls against New Zealand on January 18, 2023, underscored his immense promise.
“Shubman Gill is someone I really enjoyed working with. He’s someone who has more talent than most of the international players”, Brendon McCullum said during the event.
Despite his recent slump in performance, Gill continues to be an integral part of India’s cricket plans. He has been selected for the upcoming Asia Cup, where he is set to open the innings alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma.
Gill’s earlier stellar form had positioned him as one of the most promising batters, but he has encountered challenges post-IPL 2023.
Brendon McCullum’s unwavering support for Shubman Gill indicates that the young batter’s undeniable talent and potential continue to capture the attention of cricket enthusiasts and professionals alike. As he prepares to take the field in upcoming tournaments, Gill will have the opportunity to harness his abilities and reaffirm the belief placed in him by figures like McCullum.
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