Gill Improving in Leaps and Bounds, Says Aakash Chopra
In a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter, Gujarat Titans secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Shubman Gill playing a match-winning knock of 61 not out. The young batsman has been making waves in the tournament, and cricket pundit Aakash Chopra believes that Gill is improving in leaps and bounds.
According to Yes Punjab, Chopra, a former India batter, was impressed by Gill’s anchor role in the chase, where he stitched a crucial 90-run partnership with Washington Sundar for the third wicket. This partnership was instrumental in bringing Gujarat Titans back into the game and setting the tone for their successful chase.
"Shubman Gill is improving in leaps and bounds," Chopra said on JioHotstar. "He’s added that sweep shot to his armour – something he didn’t use to play earlier. He’s got an inside-out beautiful shot." Chopra’s comments highlight Gill’s growing confidence and skillset as a batsman.
Gill’s innings was marked by a cautious approach, which Chopra attributed to the pressure of playing on a pitch that was stopping a little bit. "You have to be the anchor," Chopra explained. "Sometimes we undervalue the importance of an anchor in a T20 innings because we see so many shots being played. Especially when batting first, you’re mentally chasing a 220-plus target. But now, when you’re chasing a smaller total in the second innings, on a pitch that’s stopping a little bit and you lose two early wickets, then you need this kind of knock – where you’re trying to keep everything along the ground. Risk is something you don’t want to take too often."
The victory was also significant for Washington Sundar, who made his debut for Gujarat Titans and fell just one run short of his half-century. Chopra praised Sundar’s knock and highlighted the all-rounder’s importance to the team. "Washington Sundar adds one more bowling option and a left-handed batter to their side," he said. "In their top three, they’ve got one left-hander Sai Sudharsan, who bats deep. But after that, it was almost an all right-handed line-up until Rahul Tewatia. Now, with Washington Sundar, they have another left-handed option."
Chopra also expressed his surprise at how Sundar has been handled at the IPL level. "Washington was with SRH for the longest time. They paid Rs 8 crore to acquire his services and yet didn’t give him a proper opportunity. Even here at GT, he was picked up but didn’t get a single game until today – and still didn’t bowl. It’s quite bizarre how he’s been handled at the IPL level." Yes Punjab reported that Sundar’s contribution was crucial in securing the win for Gujarat Titans.
The veteran cricketer further lauded Sundar’s bowling skills, stating that he gives them one more option. "His bowling is very underrated. Give him the new ball in the powerplay, and you’ll find him economical," Chopra added. With this win, Gujarat Titans have registered a significant victory, and Chopra believes that Sundar will play a bigger role going forward, including with the ball.
In conclusion, Shubman Gill’s match-winning knock and Washington Sundar’s impressive debut have been hailed by Aakash Chopra as significant positives for Gujarat Titans. As per Yes Punjab report, Chopra’s comments highlight the growth of Gill as a batsman and the importance of Sundar’s addition to the team.
