Shubman Gill is one of India’s brightest upcoming talents in Tests and ODIs. It is, however, T20Is where the batter has struggled of sorts and former Indian player Aakash Chopra feels that the Sri Lanka series would be very significant in deciding his career path.
"I feel these are very important matches for Shubman Gill. You might say that he just made his debut and you are saying that these are important games. They are important because I am willing to put my hand up and say that when I see Shubman Gill, I see him as a long-format player. The way he plays, T20 cricket is not ideal for him,” said Chopra.
"I see him playing Test cricket for India for many years, he might become the captain as well. He will play ODI cricket for India for many years. He might eventually become the captain there as well,” concluded the former player about Gill’s career.
He has however also suggested that Gill would have to prove naysayers like Chopra wrong if he wants to excel in T20Is as well.
"So he (Gill) has just made his debut but he will have to make the best of his opportunities. He will have to prove naysayers like me wrong. Ishan Kishan is batting well, so I will not say anything to him. Suryakumar Yadav got out once, will not get out every time," said Aakash Chopra.
Sanju will have to help himself- Chopra
Chopra also had a few words for Sanju Samson who did not grab his opportunity in the 1st T20I.
"I will not say anything there as well but Sanju Samson. Sanju Samson's fan army is very good, loves him a lot, we all like Sanju but Sanju will have to help himself. No. 4 is probably a little low for him, he is probably a top-three player but there is no chance to get a place before No. 4. So you will have to make the best at this number."
India plays the 2nd T20I match against Sri Lanka on January 5th at MCA, Pune.