Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel has strongly criticized experts who have been blaming Shubman Gill after his recent struggles in a few matches. Patel believes that making judgments about a player should not be based solely on a few low scores.
Gill has been facing difficulties during the ongoing West Indies tour. He had a poor performance in both Tests, scoring 7 and 34 in the first two ODIs, and despite scoring 85 in the deciding one-dayer, he faced single-digit scores in the initial three T20Is.
However, Gill made a remarkable comeback by smashing 77 off 47 deliveries and partnering in a 165-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal (84* off 51). Patel praised Gill’s performance and indirectly criticized those who have been critical of Gill’s game, expressing his views on Cricbuzz.
“Shubman Gill was outstanding today. We know the potential of Shubman Gill; we have the tendency of questioning someone who doesn’t get runs. After just a couple of performances here and there, we should not say he can’t play T20s or he can’t play ODIs.
“We need to keep faith in players and an approach. When you are trying to play attacking cricket, you might get out, especially an opener playing T20 format,” he added.
In addition to Gill, Patel was enthusiastic in his admiration for Jaiswal and forecasted a promising career for him in various formats. The former player mentioned:
“He was fearless; there was no doubt about the shot selection. The reverse-sweep six off Akeal Hosein shows the frame of mind he is in. It doesn’t matter (to him) how he gets out. He was on top of his game. Jaiswal is the player for the future, and he will probably serve India in all three formats for a long time.”
Jaiswal was awarded the Man of the Match for his exceptional performance, where he struck 11 boundaries and three maximums.
“Crucial examination for emerging Indian talents” – Parthiv Patel on series decider
India has mounted an impressive recovery in the West Indies T20Is after trailing 2-0. Their aim now is to finish their comeback by winning the decisive match. Patel suggests that the fifth T20I will serve as a significant challenge for the youthful team.
“This is a real test for Indian youngsters. Knockout games can get the best out of you. This is a great test for Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Mukesh Kumar, who has been outstanding with his death bowling.”
“This will be a good stepping stone towards that 2024 World Cup. Result will not matter as much. Though India would definitely like to win the series, this will be a great learning curve for Indian youngsters,” the former keeper concluded.”
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