The year 2023 has undoubtedly been a sensational one for Shubman Gill. The young Indian cricketer has showcased his prowess in all three formats of the game, leaving a lasting impact. In the IPL 2023, Gill has taken the cricketing world by storm, having scored three centuries thus far in the tournament. Only Virat Kohli, another prominent Indian batsman, has achieved the feat of scoring four centuries in a single season of the IPL. Gill now has an opportunity to match Kohli’s record in the final against the Chennai Super Kings.
In addition to his IPL heroics, Shubman Gill’s year has been filled with exceptional performances. He notched a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and also registered his maiden century in the T20 format. This extraordinary run of form has led to comparisons between Gill and legendary cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Many view Gill as a rising star in Indian cricket, a player who possesses immense talent and potential.
However, despite the praise and comparisons, Shubman Gill remains humble and credits the inspirational figures in Indian cricket who came before him. He acknowledges the influence of veterans like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma in motivating and inspiring young players like himself. During an event related to the film Spiderman, Gill expressed his admiration for these cricketers and their impact on the youth. He recognized that their contributions to the game have left an indelible legacy.
“The generation that all of these people – Sachin sir (Tendulkar) sir, Virat (Kohli) bhai, Rohit Sharma – have inspired is beyond. Had we not won the ’83 World Cup, had there been a Sachin Tendulkar? No. Had we not won the 2011 World Cup, would I be as inspired? Maybe, maybe not. These kinds of legacies are immortal, you can’t really define them.” Regarding the comparison between Sachin and Virat, Shubman Gill said in an event.
#WATCH | “…The generation that all of these people – Sachin sir (Tendulkar) sir, Virat (Kohli) bhai, Rohit Sharma – have inspired is beyond. Had we not won the ’83 World Cup, had there been a Sachin Tendulkar? No. Had we not won the 2011 World Cup, would I be as inspired?… pic.twitter.com/tY1L8eJxAD
— ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2023
Sachin Tendulkar, in turn, commended Shubman Gill after his record-breaking century in the second qualifier of IPL 2023. Tendulkar took to social media to express his praise, highlighting the significance of Gill’s performances. The impact of Gill’s two centuries was remarkable—one raised the hopes of the Mumbai Indians, while the other shattered their dreams of reaching the final. Such is the ever-changing nature of cricket, and Gill’s contributions have certainly left a lasting impression.
As Shubman Gill continues to excel on the cricketing stage, it is evident that he possesses immense talent and potential. While comparisons to cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli may be premature, Gill remains grounded and appreciative of the influence and inspiration provided by these iconic figures. With his exceptional performances and a promising future ahead, Shubman Gill is undoubtedly carving his own path in Indian cricket and making a name for himself as a rising star.