Long days are gone when India’s batting in one-dayers used to revolve around the trio of Rohit, Shikhar, and Virat. The time has come for youngsters to take up the role. Among them, the most promising one is Shubman Gill. The youngster from Fazilka, Punjab, has impressed everyone with his impeccable batting prowess since his under-19 days.
The bottom-handed batter Gill idolizes Virat Kohli and plays in a similar kind of mould. Interestingly enough, Virat believes Gill is more talented than he was at Gill’s age. Both share a great rapport and are often seen having fun on the field. There’s mutual admiration between them, often seen talking about each other in high regard.
The way Gill has been scoring runs this year, it seems he has taken the baton from Virat. It would be too early to predict, but it looks very much on the cards. And with each game, he’s knocking down quite a few impressive records of Kohli.
Here are some records of Kohli that Gill can shatter in upcoming tournaments:
5. Most runs in a single edition of Asia Cup
Virat Kohli Asia Cup vs Pakistan 183. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Till now, Virat Kohli has featured in 11 ODI matches in the marquee event with the last one being in 2014. But his best Asia Cup campaign with the bat came in the 2012 edition. King Kohli scored 357 runs in 3 innings which includes two centuries against the likes of Srilanka and Pakistan, respectively.
The incredible innings at Mirpur against Pakistan back in 2012, turned out to be his career-best 183 that too while chasing a monumental target. That special one stamped his prowess in modern-day ODI cricket. Even Gill possesses similar capabilities to deliver such performances for his side. Notably, this time India are scheduled to play 5-6 matches in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, and we can expect Gill to play all of them.
Shubman Gill knows how to construct a big innings and he would be eager to grab this golden opportunity with both hands in a bid to prepare for the ODI World Cup 2023. He knows the importance of buying time at the crease and runs will come automatically. The Punjab-based batter stands a great chance to cross that 357-run mark to surpass Kohli.
4. Most consecutive ODI fifties
Virat Kohli celebrating hundred. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Virat Kohli has scored five consecutive half-centuries in ODI cricket on three occasions. The first one came in 2012, while the other two happened in 2013 and 2019, respectively. With the most memorable campaign being the 2012 year. Notably, the modern legend scored centuries in all other four matches barring the three games where he failed to get going.
This remarkable feat will be hard to replicate but Shubman Gill is known for his consistency. And this is the best time for him to show this side of his batting character. If he can provide a solid start along with his batting partner and captain, Rohit Sharma, it’ll give him a big relief.
Going into the 2023 edition of the ODI World Cup, Gill knows superb batting form will give him enough confidence at the biggest stage. It may look difficult to keep up that kind of momentum considering it’s a one-ball game for the batter. Still, many fans would back Shubman Gill to get his name along with Virat Kohli, if not better.
3. Fastest to 2000 ODI runs
Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Twitter/BCCI)
The one record in which Shubman Gill has the highest probability of beating Virat Kohli is the fastest to 2000 ODI runs. Earlier this year, Gill became the second fastest to get 1000 ODI runs in 19 matches. In the process, he equalled the Pakistan’s opener, Imam ul Haq’s record.
Kohli achieved the feat way later than Gill. The Delhi-born assailed the landmark after playing 56 matches. Currently, Shubman Gill has amassed 1437 runs from 27 appearances to his name. With the kind of form he’s in, he’ll surely be there well ahead of 56 matches.
India will play at least 7-8 matches before the ODI World Cup kicks in. And all the matches from now onwards will be held either in the subcontinent or in India. Hence, Gill has the best chance to get past the remaining 563 runs. Though Gill won’t be in a hurry to get there, he’ll surely enjoy the journey by achieving the landmark during the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023.
2. Fastest ODI century
Virat Kohli hundred vs Australia (Photo Source: Twitter)
Virat Kohli is known for taking his time at the start of his innings. Getting his eyes set in, and finding singles and boundaries through gaps are his style of play. But when the beast is in the mood, Kohli is simply unstoppable. A similar thing happened when India faced Australia in Jaipur, back in 2013.
Chasing a mammoth total of 360, India reached the halfway stage before Virat arrived. Upon his arrival, runs started flowing all over the park. In no time, he reached fifty runs off just 27 balls. Thereafter, in the next 25 balls, he reached to the three-figure mark. It was an innings depicting his sheer class mixed with proper cricketing shots and power-hitting.
Consequently, Virat Kohli broke Virender Sehwag’s record of the fastest ODI century for India. Now, Shubman can be the next person to better this tally. The ominous form he showed at the IPL stage, we shouldn’t rule out this possibility at all. Gill knows how to get to the three-figure mark quickly, but can he do that before 52 balls; Only time will tell.
1. Most centuries in a year
Virat Kohli Asia Cup 2012. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Virat Kohli and centuries seem synonymous with each other. The batting maestro scored six ODI centuries in a calendar year in consecutive years. In 2017 he took 26 matches while the next year he got there in just 14 matches. This amply shows his big appetite for scoring runs and impeccable class.
As of now, Shubman Gill has three ODI centuries to his name already. The 23-year-old needs four more centuries to get past Virat Kohli. With plenty of ODI matches coming in the next few months, he has a realistic chance to reach there. Notably, Gill has played 12 games till now.
He’ll get to play at least 10-12 matches more. Being the opener, he always has the edge over other batters to get more balls to play. It’s only a matter of time for him to convert his starts into big scores in the games he plays in the near future.