'Would I be as much inspired?' - Shubman Gill credits 40-year old victory for inspiring Sachin Tendulkar and him

Indian and Gujarat Titans opener Shubman Gill has expressed his admiration for the legacies established by cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. Gill, who is considered a promising talent in the Indian team, acknowledged that the impact of these players goes far beyond comprehension. Responding to the notion that he could potentially follow in their footsteps, Gill humbly emphasized the enduring influence of the past generation.

Gill's recent performances have been outstanding, particularly during the IPL 2023 season. The young right-hander made headlines by becoming the youngest ODI double-centurion in January 2023. Additionally, he currently holds the Orange Cap in IPL 2023, having scored an impressive 851 runs in 16 matches, including three centuries.

While Gill's accomplishments have led to comparisons with the aforementioned cricketing icons, he remains modest about his own achievements. According to him, the inspiration and motivation he derives from players like Sachin Tendulkar and the team's triumphs, such as the 1983 World Cup and the 2011 World Cup, cannot be overstated. He recognizes that without these significant milestones, his own inspiration may have been different.

Gill highlights the immortality of such legacies, emphasizing that they cannot be easily defined or measured. He understands the profound impact that winning the 1983 World Cup and the presence of players like Sachin Tendulkar have had on the cricketing landscape in India. These moments have left an indelible mark on the nation's cricketing ethos, inspiring generations of players, including Gill himself.

"See, it's great when people see it but I don't really see that way because the generation that all of these people Sachin sir, Virat bhai, and Rohit bhai have inspired is beyond. Had we not won the 1983 World Cup, had there not been a Sachin Tendulkar, had we not won the 2011 World Cup, would I be as much inspired, maybe or maybe not. So, these kinds of legacies, these kinds of things are immortal. You can't really define their legacies," the Punjab-born batter told ANI.

Gill on the verge of breaking Virat Kohli's record

As Gill gears up for the IPL 2023 final, he finds himself within striking distance of breaking Virat Kohli's record for the most runs scored by a batter in a single season. Kohli's record of 973 runs in IPL 2016 stands as a formidable target for Gill, who needs 123 runs to surpass it. While it may seem like a challenging feat, Gill's exceptional form suggests that he is more than capable of achieving this milestone.

As the IPL final approaches, Gill's focus remains on contributing to the success of his team, the Gujarat Titans. While aiming to defend their title, he also acknowledges the enduring legacies that have shaped the Indian cricketing landscape, paying tribute to the monumental achievements of the past.