IPL 2022: Shubman Gill can play all three formats for India – Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer believes Shubman Gill can play all three formats for India. Gill has definitely shown the skills to go a long way in his career and had hogged the limelight after top-scoring in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

The right-hander scored a match-winning knock of 84 runs off just 46 balls against Delhi Capitals to help his team post a competitive score of 171 runs after Rishabh Pant won the toss and decided to bowl first. Gill’s strike rate is often under scrutiny but he scored his runs at an impressive strike rate of 182.61. The youngster’s knock was laced with six fours and four sixes.

Gill was dismissed by Dushmantha Chameera without troubling the scorers against Lucknow Super Giants in the team’s opening match of the season. Thus, he made a fine comeback against Delhi Capitals as he timed the ball to perfection.

Meanwhile, Gill has already made his debut for the national team in ODI and Test formats but he is yet to get his maiden cap in T20Is. Jaffer added he is happy to note Shubman Gill doing well and this knock against DC will give him a lot of confidence.

“Anything that was pitched up to him he took the option to go for the big shot. I think he has got in him to play all three formats for India. He needs to improve his power game a little bit but is someone who can play all three formats for India. Very happy to see him do well” said Jaffer while speaking to ESPN Cricinfo.

“I think this IPL holds a lot more importance for him because he is not in the white-ball frame in selectors’ radar at the moment and if he scores 500-600 runs it will bring him into the contention” Jaffer added.

On the other hand, Gill was happy to contribute to the team’s total as he batted at the top of his game.

“It felt good. It felt good to contribute runs for myself and the team. I didn’t realise that (about his low dot ball percentage) but that was the plan. To keep rotating the strike and take the singles whenever possible. I think the wicket was pretty good. Was holding a bit in the start but as the game went on, I thought it settled down. I feel anywhere between 165-180 is a good score on this wicket, so hopefully, we will be able to defend it,” said Gill.

Hardik Pandya-led will next face Punjab Kings at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday.