If I go after trying to achieve what legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did, it will only add more pressure: Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is going to lead India for the first time in the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe in Harare. This is going to be India's first T20I assignment following their T20 World Cup 2024 triumph last month. Also, this will be the Men in Blue's first series since the retirements of the legendary duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Ahead of the first T20I on Saturday, July 6, Shubman spoke about the pressure of continuing the legacy built by Rohit and Virat. The Punjab batter acknowledged that it is difficult to match the achievements of the two stalwarts of Indian Cricket.

“Pressure and expectations are always there. But I think what Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have achieved, if I go after achieving or reaching it then it will be difficult. Every player has his individual goals where he wants to reach so that pressure itself is there. And if your’re looking to reach where someone has already achieved then you’re under even more pressure,” said Gill in the pre-match press conference.

Also Read: Reports: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill to open innings against Zimbabwe

Further speaking ahead, the 24-year-old batter said that Kohli and Rohit are his idols and legends of Indian Cricket. 

“Obviously, pressure is there, but what they’ve achieved what they’ve done for India, there’s no pressure on that front as they’re both my idols and legend of Indian cricket. But what we want to collectively achieve as a team, the pressure is always there for that,” he added.

Shubman has not been able to stamp his authority in T20I cricket as yet. In 14 matches, he has scored 335 runs at an average of 25.77 and a strike rate of 147.58. This includes one century and one half-century. He has scored 133 runs from his last eight innings at an average of 16.62 and a strike rate of 126.66. After the retirements of Rohit and Kohli, the right-handed batter is expected to pick up the baton of India's batting. He would be hoping to put on a stellar show against Zimbabwe to give his confidence a major boost.