Former India cricketer Abhishek Nayar has witnessed both Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh from close quarters while giving his services as the assistant coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Gill has already sealed a spot in the Indian team after showing immense potential at the international level while Rinku on the other side managed to get a spot during India’s tour to Ireland for three T20Is later this month.
“I have absolutely no doubt about their tremendous potential. With the amount of competition in cricket these days, it is not easy to get opportunities and they need to maximise the chances that come their way. Yes, it’s all about that mental push,” Nayar told PTI here on Saturday.
However, Gill has not been in his best of forms as he was spotted struggling during the ongoing series against West Indies, often getting dismissed by the spinners. The Punjab-based batter has got out four times in six innings against spinners during the series against West Indies.
“I am not worried about Shubman as he has got a strong base and culture. It’s tough for a young cricketer to play so much cricket and be that consistent. You need to cut him some slack and say that he’s going to fail.”
“He’s playing in the West Indies, not the easiest of conditions for batting… low-scoring games. This experience is going to make him better. I think he’s going to have a terrific World Cup,” said Nayar.
Nayar also talked about Rinku and said selectors should give him a long rope, considering his skills of attacking bowlers while coming in at No 6.
“There’s a possibility that he may take a little more time (to adapt to international cricket), you know, because of his upbringing. But he is a terrific player. Anyone who averages 60 in First-Class cricket, 50 in List A and 30 in T20 is a terrific player,” he said.
“So, I would love to have a long rope for him and, hopefully, the selectors will keep faith in him. Rinku is also someone who will add so much value to the team with his overall attitude,” said Nayar.