India’s stylish opening batter Shubman Gill was really excited to play in the ODI series against South Africa. In a recent interview with broadcasters, the right-handed batter expressed his delight at playing the ODI format for the Men in Blue.
In four of the six innings Shubman Gill has played in this format in 2022, he has opened for the Indian side and has managed to score 3 half-centuries, scoring 287 runs at an average of 143.50. Veteran batter Shikhar Dhawan is giving him stiff competition as he has scored 542 runs in 13 innings as an opener this year, with 5 half-centuries. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, who have opened the innings for team India in the shortest format of the game owing to the upcoming World Cup, have batted six and five times in 2022, scoring 171 and 107 runs respectively.
However, once the T20 World Cup ends, Rohit and KL Rahul will be back in the ODI set-up as well, which will put pressure on both Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan, but the youngster isn’t too worried about the same. Speaking with the broadcasters, Star Sports, before the start of the ODI series between India and South Africa in Lucknow, Shubman said:
“There is no pressure with the [ODI] World Cup, we have played in these conditions, there is no pressure, but I have to do well. The World Cup is here in India, and it will be even more fun,”
Former Indian cricketer and batting legend VVS Laxman, who is currently the stand-in head coach of the Indian side playing against South Africa in ODI, also admitted that the management will have a tough time picking the batters for the ODI World Cup next year. He said:
“The talent in the batting department, we are spoilt for choices. The selectors are going to have a tough decision next year (for the ODI World Cup). It is an opportunity for the youngsters. Won’t consider this as second string side, they haven’t always got the chance, but they are proven match-winners. Everyone is eagerly looking forward to this series,”
