Shubman Gill will be a big player for India, says Wasim Jaffer
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has backed Shubman Gill to perform well for a number of years for the country.
The Indian team led by Rohit Sharma was criticised after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy where India lost the series 3-1. Post loss, a few senior members of the team, including Sharma, Gill, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, were asked to play in the Ranji Trophy. It did not help as except Gill, no one registered a big score in the four-day format.
However, Rohit, Gill and Virat have all found their touch in the ICC Champions Trophy that is currently on. Jaffer reckoned Gill will soon find a way to score in Test cricket.
“He knows how to get runs in ODI cricket. He has found that formula. It is just that in Test cricket and on pitches that help spin or that have sideways movement (he struggles). I think England will be a big challenge for him but he is a fine player,” Jaffer told the media on the sidelines of the launch of India Corporate T20 Bash in New Delhi on Wednesday.
“He wants to improve and do well. I have seen him from close quarters, he spends a lot of time in the nets. He is somebody who is open to ideas, so I feel with time he is going to be one of our best players. His work ethic is fine, and he is going in the right direction,” he added.
Rohit sacrifices for team
Jaffer supported India skipper Rohit Sharma’s high-risk game, saying his Mumbai compatriot is happy to play the high-risk game for the sake of the team.
“Obviously the Australian tour was tough for him. But any time you get a good score you feel the pressure is off. There is a huge expectation every time Rohit or Virat walks out to bat. That is going to be there always but I think he plays a different game now,” Jaffer said.
“He uses the power play, plays a high-risk game for the benefit of the team. He is not thinking about himself, he is thinking about giving the momentum to the team. If somebody plays like that then it is highly unlikely that he will be consistent but as long as India is winning he will be happy,” he added.
