Former India cricketer highlights bigger challenge for Shubman Gill ahead of New Zealand series

India’s opening batter Shubman Gill scored a century during the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. This is Gill's second century in ODIs. Gill, who scored his first century against Zimbabwe is the only batter in Men’s ODIs from India to have an average of 55 and a strike rate of over 100.

Gill completed the milestone by facing 89 balls during the innings. He also hit 11 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 112.36. Gill started the inning with Rohit Sharma and shared a 95-run partnership for the first wicket. After Rohit was dismissed for 42, he completed the century by extending the partnership with Virat Kohli. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir praised the youngster but said that he will have a tough test against New Zealand and Australia.

"This probably was not the best test of his ability and on the international stage as well. But you are not going to take it away from him. He has got a second hundred, that's what you can do. This opponent was for everyone but he has taken that opportunity with both hands."

"He will have much better opponents when it comes to New Zealand and Australia. Yes, he has started off the year really well and he would want to continue especially against New Zealand and then the four Test matches if he gets that opportunity because Rohit Sharma is coming back, and then the one-dayers against Australia.”

You want to test yourself against the best: Gautam Gambhir

Shubman Gill also became the youngest Indian opener to score an ODI century against Sri Lanka at 23 years and 129 days. He left behind Gambhir who did this feat in 24 years and 23 days. Gambhir said Australia's bowling lineup will test his ability, however, it is not the same with New Zealand as they don’t have Tim Southee and Trent Boult in their squad.

"Those bowling attacks will test him, especially Australia. I am not sure about New Zealand because they do not have Tim Southee and Trent Boult. But you want to test yourself against the best because come to the World Cup if he is in your scheme of things and if he has to start so that you get to know about your game more."

The Men in Blue will now play a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning on Wednesday, January 18.