Shubman Gill credits Rahul Dravid and his father Lakhwinder Singh for his India call-up

19-year-old Shubman Gill has made the most of every opportunity that has come his way. From being the man of the tournament in the U19 World Cup, or an essential batsman for KKR in IPL. His consistent performances in the domestic circuit have earned him a national call-up for the ODI series against New Zealand. India are currently leading the five match ODI series 1-0 with an 8-wicket win in first ODI. Gill will also be a part of the 3-match T20I series that follows.

The highest run-getter for Punjab in Ranji Trophy 2018-19, with 728 runs in 5 matches (9 innings) at an average of 104.00, Gill is one of the best batsmen in the domestic circuit. In an interview with the Times of India, Gill said he was about to sleep when his friend called up to inform him about his national selection.

“I was in my bedroom and about to sleep when all of a sudden my phone rang. One of my friends called me and told me about my selection. I was so happy. I didn’t expect the call-up. I immediately told my father. He was extremely happy and hugged me,” Shubman told TOI in an exclusive interview.

“My father is my idol”

He credited his call-up to coach Rahul Dravid and also his father. He explained how his father taught him to bat against fast bowlers from a very young age.

“The credit for this (India call-up) goes to Rahul sir. He was always there for me. I learnt a lot from him. Not just me, he observes every single player in the team during net practice and then gives tips” Shubman said.

“My father is my idol. He has worked really hard to make me a good batsman. He used to make me stand on one side of a ‘Manji’ (a woven Indian bed also called chaarpai, khaat or khatia) and bowl to me with a tennis ball from the other end. The ball used to skid off the surface and come at me at high speed. I used to play around 600 such deliveries in a day” Shubman said.

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