image source– Shubman Gill profile X/ Twitter
When Sachin Tendulkar was nearing the end of his illustrious ODI career, there was one burning question on everyone’s mind: who would carry forward this legacy of batting brilliance? Many wondered if Virat Kohli could fill those massive shoes. Virat not only took on the challenge but went on to surpass Sachin’s ODI hundreds tally, carving out his own legendary path. Now, as Virat finds himself at the twilight of his career, the spotlight has shifted to one man – Shubman Gill. The question once again arises: Can he do it? Looking at his current ODI numbers, it’s clear – Gill is not just ready for the challenge; he’s already on his way to answering with a resounding yes.
Shubman Gill has recently reclaimed the number 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings, showcasing his exceptional talent and consistent performances in the 50-over format. With his brilliant batting, Gill has established himself as one of the most dependable players in modern-day cricket. His ability to adapt, combined with his flawless technique, has made him a standout in ODIs, further solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest young stars in the game today.
Shubman Gill: From Promise to Dominance in ODI Cricket
When Shubman Gill started his ODI career, many believed that he could only score big on flat Indian wickets, and there were doubts about whether he could adapt to tougher conditions and finish games under pressure. However, as his career has progressed, Gill has proved all those doubts wrong. In 2023, he scored a brilliant hundred in Colombo on a turning pitch against Bangladesh, showing his ability to handle difficult conditions. His recent hundred in the first game of the Champions Trophy against the same opponent, on a similarly challenging wicket, was a testament to his growth. This knock wasn’t just about the elegant and authoritative strokes we often see from Gill; it was also a display of his discipline, patience, and resilience, as he took his team to the finish line with maturity and composure.
Shubman Gill has always been seen as a player full of promise. Since 2018, cricket pundits have rated him highly, but there were always questions about his technique, adaptability, and composure. While he’s still trying to find his rhythm in Test cricket, and is not yet a regular part of the T20 setup, in ODI cricket, he has not only become a mainstay but has also emerged as a strong contender to dominate this format for the next 10-12 years.
Shubman Gill: A Natural in ODIs, Yet Evolving in Tests
So, why is he so good in ODIs but still struggles in Tests? Gill’s batting style is naturally suited to the ODI format, especially as an opener. He has the time to settle in, build his innings, and play a variety of shots to rule the ground. However, Test cricket is a different challenge. Batting in Tests demands a lot of “unlearning” from the shorter formats, and Gill is at that stage where those adjustments haven’t fully happened yet. This is the primary reason behind his struggles in the longest format, as he is still trying to adapt his game for the rigorous demands of Test cricket.
Today, let’s set aside the criticism and truly appreciate Shubman Gill for his remarkable ODI performances. His numbers in this format speak volumes about his consistency and impact. Not only does he help India post big totals, but the way he scores also puts the team in such a commanding position that opponents often find themselves on the back foot. In his last four ODIs, Gill has scored 50+ runs in each match, with two of those being centuries. What’s more, he has now become the fastest Indian to reach 8 ODI hundreds, achieving this milestone in just 51 games. His progress and contributions are a testament to his growing dominance in the format.
GILL ODI’s NUMBERS IN A GLANCE:
M: 51
RUNS: 2688
AVG.: 62.51
SR: 100.78
50/100: 15/8
HS: 208
The numbers speak for themselves, and they tell a clear story: India’s ODI batting baton is in safe hands. With Shubman Gill’s consistency and impressive performances, it’s evident that the future of Indian batting in this format is in capable hands, and it will be held high for years to come.
