Making use of most of the chances that came Shubman Gill’s way has kept him ahead in the race, feels Sourav Ganguly.
“I have nothing much to say in selection matters, but all the best to Shubman. Now that he has been selected for the India squad, I wish he does well,” Sourav told The Telegraph late on Thursday.
Like others, Sourav too was all praise for Gill’s talent as a batsman. “Age is on his side. He is a youngster with loads of talent and has the right approach.
“I believe Gill will succeed if he gets a chance (to play in any of the Test matches),” the former India captain added.
Consistent performances for India A and in domestic cricket last season have been instrumental in Gill earning an India berth for the upcoming home Tests versus South Africa.
Playing for India A, Gill has had several important contributions overs the past one-and-a-half months. On the tour of the Caribbean in July and August, he hit a 69 in a List A game at Coolidge and followed it up with an unbeaten 204 in a four-day game at Tarouba. The 90 Gill scored in the first innings against South Africa A in Thiruvananthapuram earlier this week too came at an ideal time.
His talent was noticed on certain occasions during this year’s IPL as well when he donned the Kolkata Knight Riders jersey. “I normally don’t like to speak about others, but I would like to make an exception for this boy. I have always liked his attitude,” said Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik.
“I am really very happy that he has been selected for the Indian team. I’m confident he will do well.”
Gill’s inclusion also meant Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, another highly talented batsman, has to wait for his chance. Sourav, however, thinks Abhimanyu shouldn’t get bogged down.
“Look, he is still a young boy. He will definitely get his chance, so not to worry. I can’t say why he wasn’t selected, as selectors can answer that question.
“But I would say that there’s no need to make a hue and cry about his non-selection. He will definitely get his chance at some point,” the CAB president said.
