3 reasons why Shubman Gill will be India’s key player in ODI World Cup 2023

Shubman Gill is India’s key player the latest prodigy of India’s familial batting production line. He shot to fame with 418 runs at an average of 104.50 in the 2018 ICC U19 World Cup, where he served as Prithvi Shaw’s deputy and batted at No. 3 to play a crucial role in India’s record fourth world title. He is also the edition’s Player of the Tournament. Gill won the BCCI award for the Best Junior Cricketer for consecutive years in 2013-14 and then in 2014-15, knocking hard on the doors of the U19 team.

In 2023, Gill has certainly redefined his form and is currently World ranked number two batter in the One Day Internationals. Not only ODIs but the star Indian batter has been sublime in all the formats wherever he has played. The 23-year-old has scored seven centuries across formats and has also scored a double century against New Zealand in ODIs. With the World Cup this year being played in 50-overs format, Gill will be an asset for the Indian batting lineup. Let us look at three reasons why the prolific batter will be India’s key player in the upcoming marquee event:

3. Have been in prime form throughout 2023
In the ODI format this year, the star India batter scored runs at an average of more than 72. Throughout 2023, Gill has played 20 innings where he scored 1230 runs with a strike of 105.03 which is astonishing considering it is 50 over format. In the process, the flamboyant opener has also smashed five half-centuries and five centuries with a high score of 208 runs.

So, given that the World Cup will be played in 50 overs format, Gill’s form will be crucial for India’s success in the competition.

2. Will be an asset in Indian conditions

While Gill is capable of performing well overseas, he particularly excels on home turf. In his short international career, he has scored 704 runs in 12 ODIs at home, averaging 64 with a strike rate of 113.

His batting style complements Rohit Sharma’s skills at the top of the order on Indian pitches, where runs are usually abundant. Gill’s ability to convert starts into big scores makes him well-suited for Indian conditions.

1. Adhering to big match temperament

Gill is a technically proficient cricketer known for his versatile batting style. The right-hand prodigy batter combines elegant shot-making with a solid defense, displaying swift footwork to position himself effectively against spinners and pacers. Gill’s adaptability to different conditions and pitches is a valuable asset for the Indian team, especially in the upcoming World Cup, where they’ll face diverse challenges. 

The India batter has consistently demonstrated composure in high-pressure situations, be it in the IPL or Test matches abroad, making him a reliable opening partner for captain Rohit Sharma. Gill’s unflappable temperament could prove pivotal for India in crucial World Cup matches, given the immense expectations as hosts and contenders for the title.

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