Wasim Akram amplifies Shubman's Sachin comparison

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram drew similarities between the legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar and Shubman Gill, increasing interest in the youngster’s recent performances. Gill was a standout performer in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season.

The 23-year-old won the Orange Cap after amassing 890 runs for runners-up Gujarat Titans (GT), including three centuries and four fifties. Gill is currently in London to participate in the much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia, which will be held at The Oval from June 7.  

As the Indian cricket pundits celebrate Gill's consistent performances, Akram has joined the chorus of praise for the star opening batter. Though some may object to Gill being compared to the former India captains, Virat Kohli and Tendulkar, Akram discovered similarities between them from the viewpoint of a bowler.

During a conversation with Sportskeeda, the celebrated Pakistan bowler stated that the bowlers who are currently bowling to Gill will have the same experience he had when bowling to the Master Blaster during his playing career. 

"When I bowl to a player like Gill, even in T20 format, it's like I am bowling to Sachin Tendulkar in one-day cricket in the first 10 overs when only two fielders were allowed (outside the 30-yard circle)," Akram said.

Gill is the kind of player who can score in all three formats consistently: Akram

The former cricketer went on to say that he knew he had a chance to dismiss legendary Sri Lanka batters Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana if he bowled to them. Tendulkar and Gill, according to the 57-year-old, play proper cricketing shots. He added that the 23-year-old is the type of player who can consistently score in all three forms and will be a superstar of Indian cricket in the coming days.

"If I had to bowl to Jayasuriya or Kaluwitharna, I knew I had a chance. I can get them out as they hit on every ball. But, players like Sachin and Gill, they play proper cricketing shots. I think he is the kind of player who can score in all three formats consistently. He is a future superstar of world cricket," the Pakistan cricketer added.