Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has offered a word of caution to young batting sensation Shubman Gill ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) final between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. Gill’s outstanding performances in this IPL season have solidified his position as a player across all three formats and have placed him in the league of great Indian batsmen like Gavaskar, Tendulkar, and Kohli.
Kapil Dev emphasized the need for Gill to be patient and maintain consistency over the next three years before he can be considered among the modern greats. He drew attention to the smooth transition of Indian cricket from Gavaskar to Tendulkar and then to Kohli, and expressed confidence that Gill possesses the remarkable abilities to continue this legacy. Kapil Dev highlighted Gill’s exceptional talent to dismantle any bowling attack, and stressed the importance of protecting and guiding players of his caliber to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
“He needs to watch out for the next three years before he takes his place in the hall of modern greats. When Sunil (Gavaskar) finished playing, Sachin (Tendulkar) carried on the good work. When Sachin departed, we had Virat (Kohli) donning the hat. Now, with Kohli still around, Indian cricket is fortunate to have Gill preparing to dominate world cricket with his astonishing prowess,” Kapil said, according to Sportstar.
Kapil Dev’s words of wisdom
However, Kapil Dev also acknowledged that the challenges faced by young players today extend beyond the cricket field. With the rise of social media and constant scrutiny, Gill will need to focus on his game amidst growing popularity and expectations. Kapil Dev advised Gill to seek sound counselling to navigate the world of exposure and urged him to remain grounded and blessed. While Gavaskar and Tendulkar enjoyed a different era of cricket, the current landscape demands increased scrutiny and attention.
Gill’s batting prowess has propelled Gujarat Titans into the IPL finals, with the young prodigy smashing three centuries and accumulating an impressive tally of 851 runs in 16 matches. His outstanding performance makes him a top contender for the coveted orange cap this season.
Kapil Dev’s insightful comments serve as a timely reminder for Shubman Gill to stay focused, consistent, and grounded as he embarks on his journey towards becoming one of the modern greats of Indian cricket. With the right guidance and support, Gill has the potential to dominate world cricket and leave an indelible mark on the sport.
