Irfan Pathan has observed that Shubman Gill’s approach to batting in T20 matches mirrors that of Virat Kohli. Gill achieved an impressive 89 not out from 48 balls, helping Gujarat Titans set a target of 200 runs for Punjab Kings during an IPL 2024 match in Ahmedabad on Thursday, April 4. Despite Gill’s outstanding performance, Gujarat Titans’ effort fell short as Punjab Kings reached the target with three wickets and one ball remaining.
During a conversation on Star Sports, Pathan pointed out that Shubman Gill has adopted Virat Kohli’s techniques in the T20 format.
“A lot of glimpses of Virat Kohli are seen in him in T20 cricket. How does Virat play in T20 cricket? He tries to play with control but still his strike rate remains good. So he (Gill) is trying to bat in that fashion. He is young for sure but we got to see the control and correct cricket, but despite that, if the strike goes close to 200, it’s praiseworthy,” he explained.
“We see fours and sixes but if we have a look at the running between the wickets, it is exceptional. Fitness makes a huge difference. He gets ready for the second run as soon as he plays a shot. I spoke about batting, but I feel he admires Virat Kohli even in running between the wickets and tries to follow him a little,” the former India all-rounder added.
Shubman Gill started with 31 runs from the initial 22 balls. Then, the elegant opener accelerated his scoring, blasting 58 runs from his last 26 balls.
One of his best IPL innings- Sanjay Manjrekar on Shubman Gill’s knock against PBKS
Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Shubman Gill delivered one of his best performances in the IPL.
“I feel this was one of his best IPL innings. We know it’s not a playoff match or a final but a league game. However, he had to play with a little responsibility because they were batting first today. It’s difficult while batting first and setting targets,” he reasoned.
“When a guy plays a little like anchoring and maintains a strike rate close to 140, and after that, reaches close to 200, it’s a special talent. When his father was so happy, you can understand what a special knock he played. One of his finest IPL innings,” the former India batter added.
Manjrekar commended Gill for not focusing on reaching his century. He highlighted that the Gujarat Titans captain prioritized team over personal milestones, willingly passing the strike to Rahul Tewatia even as he neared a hundred.