Chandigarh, Sept 13
A grind of more than a decade and a bagful of runs has helped the young Shubman Gill break into the Indian Test squad. The Punjab cricketer, who turned 20 four days ago, received a belated but deeply cherished birthday gift when he was named in the 15-member India squad for the three-match Test series against South Africa. “It’s always an honour to represent my country,” Gill commented on his Twitter page after his selection.
The budding cricketer was awarded for his consistency and his ability to adapt to batting at different positions. “We look at him as an opener as well as middle-order batsman. We are looking at him as back-up for both the slots. As he keeps playing more and more, he will get his opportunities, because he is a player for all three formats,” pointed out selection committee chief MSK Prasad. Prasad said that the selectors want to give Rohit Sharma an opportunity to open for India, instead of the axed KL Rahul, so Gill might have to wait before he actually gets into the playing XI.Gill’s penchant for scoring big runs in testing times sets him apart from his peers. He has gained rapid recognition as a formidable batsman over the last few years. Gill left his ancestral home in Fazilka as a seven-year-old, along with his father and coach Lakhwinder Singh, in 2007-08 to make use of the infrastructure available in Mohali. Today, when Gill Sr was asked about his son’s journey, he said: “I’m thankful to God.”
Gill rose through the ranks after breaking into the scene with a double-hundred on his U-16 debut for Punjab in the 2013-14 Vijay Hazare Trophy season.
