Ganguly and Dravid giving you confidence, that's what a youngster wants: Shubman Gill

Although Shubman Gill has played just a handful of games in international cricket, he has managed to impress many fans and cricket experts worldwide. Making his Test debut in Australia last year, the youngster didn’t take long in making a mark. He played several brilliant knocks in the series and played a vital role in taking India to a 2-1 triumph. His heroics also earned him a permanent place in India’s first-choice playing XI.

It was the 2018 Under-19 World Cup where Gill first burst onto the scenes. The right-handed batsman piled one big score after another and took India to the glorious title. In fact, Gill’s tally of 372 runs in five games was second-highest for any batsmen in that tournament. Impressed by the youngster’s sensational show, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly had even said that he saw glimpses of Brian Lara and Kane Williamson in Gill’s batting.

Reacting to Ganguly’s statement in an interaction, Gill said that he was overwhelmed by the southpaw’s praises. He also mentioned that compliments like these motivate youngsters to work harder and do well.

Compliments from great players motivate youngsters to do well: Shubman Gill

“As a youngster that’s all you want. People who you have looked up to, people like Sourav Gangly, people like Rahul Dravid giving you confidence and that’s basically whatever the youngster wants. And obviously, when you hear compliments like that from such great players that boost your confidence and you are furthermore motivated to do well,” Gill said while featuring on The Grade Cricketer.

Notably, Rahul Dravid coached Team India during the 2018 U-19 World Cup and groomed Gill alongside many youngsters. Speaking of Dravid’s approach as a coach, Gill said that the former Indian captain doesn’t tend to tweak anyone’s natural game but focuses on making players mentally stronger.

“He (Rahul Dravid) is not that kind of a coach who would go onto the player and say improve this on your technique or do this or do that. He is the kind of coach who would more focus on the mental aspect of life, you know, tactical aspects,” he added.

Meanwhile, Gill will be next seen in the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, which gets underway on June 18 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. He scored an impressive half-century in the practice game and would like to shine in the summit clash as well.