Shubman Gill definitely has the talent and ability, but he needs more maturity: Kapil Dev

If there is one thing that the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has done, it is solidifying 23-year-old Shubman Gill as one of the best young batters in world cricket. Going into the season, all eyes were already set on Gill, as he had been in scintillating form for India and, representing Gujarat Titans in the tournament, Gill was undoubtedly one of the best players for the side.

The 23-year-old was in a league of his own throughout the competition and even finished as the IPL orange cap winner. He hit three centuries in the tournament and had 890 runs in 17 matches. Being just 23 years old, Gill also became the second-highest individual run-getter in a season in IPL history.

Seeing his exceptional form in the tournament, former India skipper Kapil Dev lauded Gill's sensational performances. He opined that Gill is following in the footsteps of many great players, however, he still needs another year to solidify himself as a truly great talent.

"Sunil Gavaskar came, Sachin Tendulkar came, then Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and Virat Kohli came, and now, with the kind of batting he is showing, it appears that Shubman Gill is following their footsteps. But I will like to give him another season (before making big claims). He definitely has the talent and ability, but he needs more maturity," Kapil Dev told ABP News.

"If he plays another season like this, there is no doubt that he, too, could be included in the list of great players. But I would not like to take him to that league currently. Maybe he needs to give one more year. It's too early (to say)," he added.

Gill’s magnificent performances led Gujarat Titans to their second IPL final in two years; however, they were not able to go all the way as Chennai Super Kings handed them a hefty loss and won their fifth IPL title after defeating them in the final by five wickets.