After Deodhar Trophy ton, Shubman Gill ready to play for India

Of late, Indian cricket has seen the rise of many a youngster, and Punjab’s flamboyant batsman Shubman Gill is the latest addition to the group of international prospects. He made the headlines after becoming the highest run-getter in India’s victorious U-19 World Cup campaign this year, under the leadership of India’s teenage sensation Prithvi Shaw.

Gill then went on to bag a lucrative IPL contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders last season and also made some valuable contributions to the side. Now the 19-year old has announced himself on a bigger platform by becoming one of the youngest batsmen to score a century in the Deodhar Trophy, joining greats such as Sourav Ganguly and Rohit Sharma.

His unbeaten 106 off 111 balls powered India C to the final of the tournament. While his U19 skipper Prithvi Shaw had already set a high benchmark, Gill is up for the challenge and is looking ahead to breaking into the national squad.

Might get an opportunity in the next series: Gill

When asked about the time frame he has set for himself to wear national colours, Shubman Gill said, “I am ready. I did not get the opportunity against the West Indies but I might get one in the next series. I am just happy scoring runs. All these things (expectations) are there in your mind before you get into the middle.

It is all about scoring runs when you get on the field. I don’t think what will happen when I get out. Yes, they all recognise you for your U-19 days but we have to keep performing the same way at the higher levels to get a chance.”

India’s U19 stars have become subjects of immense scrutiny, especially after delivering impressive performances in widely watched events such as the U19 World Cup. The likes of Virat Kohli and Prithvi Shaw have both come into the limelight through the mega event.

Shubman Gill was recently drafted into the India Test squad only midway through the second Test against the Windies after some players were released to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Although he didn’t get a chance to take the field, the experience of being part of the Indian dressing room was one he cherished.

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from India vs West Indies series, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.