Former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden believes 23-year-old Gujarat Titans star opener Shubman Gill can actually take forward the legacy of cricketing giants Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Indian cricket team has a legacy of producing some of the best batters the world has ever known. Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are widely regarded as the flag bearers of this legacy. Hayden's statement can't be taken lightly as he has played a lot of cricket against Sachin Tendulkar and has witnessed Kohli's journey of establishing himself as the modern day great. Hayden played for Chennai Super Kings in IPL before starting his association with the world's richest T20 league as a commentator.
In a recent interview with the Times of India, Hayden claimed that Shubman Gill has what it takes to carry forward this legacy.
"Oh yes, Shubman is already in the Sachin-Virat league. World cricket needs heroes, and he has everything in his game that will help him achieve those heights," he said.
Year 2023 so far has been really good for GT star Shubman Gill. The talented youngster scored five centuries for the national team across all formats. So far in 2023 season of the Indian Premier League, Gill has scored 228 runs in five matches with help of two half-centuries and a batting average of 45.6.
Gujarat Titans mentor Gary Kirsten also reserved high praise for Gill, saying Gill on a upward curve of progress.
"Shubman Gill has developed into a class player; just see his run of form with the Indian team. The next level for Shubman is how he can take his skills and have a greater impact. He is on an upward curve of progress, has good thinking, and has an idea of how he can succeed," said Kirsten.
After 12 long years, ICC Men's World Cup (ODI World Cup 2023) is happening in India and the hosts are being considered as one of the favorites to win the mega tournament. Gill's role in the team as an opener, if he gets that chance, will be highly important in this year's World Cup.