Champions Trophy: Sidhu Applauds Gill's Growth and Responsibilities
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Synopsis
Navjot Singh Sidhu praises Shubman Gill's performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy, attributing his success to the responsibilities he has embraced throughout his career, showcasing his maturity and skill.
Key Takeaways
- Shubman Gill shines in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
- Every responsibility has contributed to his improvement.
- Sidhu explains the growth from playing under Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
- Gill's technical soundness is evident in his effortless shots.
- Former players believe Gill will lead the batting charge for India.
New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu asserts that vice-captain Shubman Gill achieving success with the bat during the 2025 Champions Trophy is a result of the growth he has experienced through every responsibility he has embraced in his career thus far.
In the two matches played to date, the top-ranked ODI batter Gill has excelled, scoring an unbeaten 101 and 46 in India's successful chases against Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively. On Sunday, Gill captivated fans with his majestic front-foot straight drive that earned him a boundary off Shaheen Shah Afridi.
“Observe, nothing thrives under a banyan tree. The banyan tree of Indian cricket is essentially Rohit Sharma and alongside him, Virat Kohli. However, when you examine Shubman Gill, those two straight drives, along with the stunning cover drive, are reminiscent of a blitzkrieg that leaves the opposition stunned; it’s truly awe-inspiring. This player has stepped out of the shadows of that banyan tree and has matured.”
“It's challenging to determine. You assess a player's potential by what they achieve, not merely by their attempts. When you guide your team to victory after scoring a century without losing your wicket, that sense of responsibility enhances your skills. It fosters growth; it does not hinder it. Hence, every responsibility he has accepted has contributed to his improvement,” Sidhu remarked on JioHotstar.
He further noted that Gill's current form is so impressive that even the edges of his bat are resulting in runs. “What stands out to me is that he is technically proficient, making the game look effortless. The shots he plays over square, including the lofty sixes from the last match, demonstrate this. There was one occasion where he intended to play it straight, but the ball took an edge.”
“Even the edges are racing to the boundary. He hasn’t faltered in a single innings over the past six or seven games. This illustrates how unpredictable the game can be; one moment, you may struggle for runs, and the next, fortune smiles upon you abundantly.”
Sanjay Bangar, a former Indian player and batting coach, concurred with Sidhu’s sentiments and remarked that Gill will spearhead the team's batting efforts in the future. “What Navjot Singh Sidhu mentioned is that he possesses exceptional skills. His foundations are robust.”
“Furthermore, he carries the confidence that comes with nearly two and a half years of outstanding performance in one-day cricket. In this format, he has been phenomenal, showcasing powerful drives. The straight drive and on-drive are shots that typically don’t require excessive force.”
“Yet here, he struck the ball with such power that even with fielders positioned within the 30-yard circle, the ball reached them effortlessly. This demonstrates the level of timing he possesses. Clearly, he is the player poised to bear the responsibility of the Indian team in the years ahead,” he concluded.
