Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth has weighed in on the burgeoning hype surrounding young cricketer Shubman Gill, emphasizing that the 24-year-old needs to translate his potential into consistent performances across different formats and on the global stage.
Srikkanth drew parallels with Virat Kohli, labeling him the ‘King‘ due to his outstanding records in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket. According to Srikkanth, emerging players like Gill must aspire to achieve a level of stature and consistency reminiscent of Kohli’s remarkable career.
While acknowledging that not every player can replicate Kohli’s achievements, Srikkanth asserted that aspiring cricketers should aim to at least approach a similar level of performance. He highlighted the necessity for Gill to showcase his batting prowess beyond the subcontinent, asserting that runs scored solely in familiar conditions would not be sufficient.
“Why are we calling Virat Kohli the King? Look at his record, even in the last year, be it Test matches, ODIs or T20Is. Just look at his records. I have nothing more to say. Yes, I accept you cannot produce a Virat Kohli every time. Everybody cannot be producing Virat Kohli (Kohli-like numbers). But you have to try and get to at least a bit of that stature,” Srikkanth emphasized on his YouTube channel.
Hype-around Shubman Gill: Kris Srikkanth
However, Srikkanth refrained from either overestimating or underestimating Shubman Gill potential, suggesting a measured approach in evaluating the young player’s capabilities. While acknowledging the hype surrounding Gill, Srikkanth urged patience, emphasizing the need to wait and observe how the 24-year-old progresses.
“I think the hype around Shubman Gill, quite a few are saying ‘he is the next this, next that.’ I think we will have to wait and see. I would not overrate him, I would not want to underestimate him,” he added.
In the recent Test against South Africa at the SuperSport Park in Johannesburg, Shubman Gill scored two and 26 in the first and only innings. With a total of 1030 runs in 38 Test innings, Gill has showcased promise, yet Srikkanth encourages a tempered evaluation, emphasizing that the young batter must prove himself on varied terrains to truly make a mark on Indian cricket.
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