Former India cricketer Abhishek Nayar backs Shubman Gill to come good ahead of upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup

A young and talented player, Shubman Gill has been capturing everyone's hearts with his exceptional batting skills. This time, his remarkable journey has been closely observed by the former India cricketer, Abhishek Nayar, who serves as the assistant coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Gill's immense potential on the international stage has earned him a coveted spot in the Indian team.

Nayar expressed unwavering confidence in the opening batter's abilities. In today's competitive cricket landscape, opportunities are hard to come by, and the former emphasized the importance of making the most of every chance that comes the latter's way. He stressed that a strong mental attitude will be crucial for his continued success.

“I am not worried about Shubman as he has got a strong base and culture. It’s tough for a young cricketer to play so much cricket and be that consistent. You need to cut him some slack and say that he’s going to fail,"  Nayar was quoted as sayinng by News 18.

Though Gill faced challenges during the ongoing series against West Indies, where he struggled against spinners, his former IPL coach remains optimistic. He believes in Gill's solid foundation and cultural upbringing, which will help him bounce back stronger. Playing in West Indies can be tough, with low-scoring games, but Nayar believes that these experiences will make Gill a better player, thereby setting the stage for a terrific World Cup performance.

"He’s playing in the West Indies, not the easiest of conditions for batting low-scoring games. This experience is going to make him better. I think he’s going to have a terrific World Cup," he further continued.

There’s a possibility that he may take a little more time to adapt to international cricket: Nayar

Furthermore, discussing Shubman Gill's rough patch and his potential with his batting, Abhishek Nayar urged everyone to be patient with the young cricketer. Gill's journey to elevate his game in the international arena will take some time. Besides, Nayar KKR's assistant coach also pointed out his commendable records in various formats. He pointed out that Gill averages a staggering 60 in First-Class, 50 in List A, and 30 in T20s, respectively. Hence, it is safe to say that the Fazilka-born is destined for greatness. Moreover, Nayar hopes that the selectors will keep faith in him, and his overall attitude will add immense value to the team.

“There’s a possibility that he may take a little more time (to adapt to international cricket), you know, because of his upbringing. But he is a terrific player," Nayar concluded.