India’s opener, Shubman Gill, was unable to play the first two matches of the 2023 World Cup because of dengue. However, there’s a chance he might return to the team in the upcoming game against Pakistan.
According to former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, Shubman Gill is expected to maintain his excellent form despite his brief absence due to dengue. Butt noted that while there might be some weakness initially, Gill can recover from it.
“A player won’t lose his form after sitting out for a few days. It won’t make a big difference. Even if there was some weakness, he would have worked on it during practice”, Butt said (20:55) in his latest YouTube video.
Butt also emphasized that Gill’s comeback will strengthen India’s batting order, highlighting the player’s outstanding recent performance.
“If Gill returns, it will be a massive advantage for Team India. He has been a key member of that side in the last 18 months or so. He has been an important player who has scored more runs than anybody else. He has scored effective and match-winning runs.”
India and Pakistan are set to face each other at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, October 13. Gill has arrived in Ahmedabad and has been observed practicing in the nets.
“Has not even played 25 percent of the cricket that Jasprit Bumrah has” – Salman Butt thoughts on Shaheen Afridi
In the video, Salman Butt also expressed that it wouldn’t be justifiable to draw comparisons between Pakistan’s pace leader Shaheen Afridi and the Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
He observed that Jasprit Bumrah is an experienced player with a strong track record in various formats of the game. The 39-year-old suggested that it’s best to hold off on comparing the two until Shaheen has played more matches.
Butt added:
“Why do people draw comparisons between Shaheen Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah? Shaheen has not even played 25 percent of the cricket that Bumrah has. Bumrah is a very experienced player and has played Test cricket across the world.”
”He has given brilliant performances in all three formats, doing well with the new ball as well as the old ball. How can you compare Shaheen to a senior bowler? Shaheen is a wonderful talent, but at least let me play half the number of matches that Bumrah has.”
Shaheen hasn’t been at his best so far in the 2023 World Cup. The lanky pacer has picked up just two wickets from as many games. Bumrah, on the other hand, has six scalps from two outings.
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