It’s his best knock, says proud father

Sunny Kaul  

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 30

As Shubman Gill shepherded India colts to their sixth ICC U-19 World Cup final with an unbeaten ton against Pakistan at Christchurch today, his father Lakhwinder Singh said it was the “best innings” of his fledgling career. “It left me speechless,” said Gill senior, who’s also the coach of his son. “This is his best innings till date. It left me speechless. Playing in a semifinal against Pakistan and hitting a century... it speaks volumes about his temperament. It was a mature knock, I am really proud of his performance.” 

Gill has exhibited great form in the tournament so far, aggregating 341 runs in four innings. The 18-year-old started with a solid 63 against Australia in the opener, and then followed it up with unbeaten 90 against Zimbabwe and a 94-ball 86 against Bangladesh in the quarterfinals. 

“He has been consistent, has grabbed every opportunity that came his way. I always had some suggestions to offer after his every knock; today I couldn’t have told him anything, it was flawless,” said Lakhwinder, who shifted to Mohali from Fazilka to help his son pursue his dream of becoming a top cricketer.

Dravid’s influence 

Amidst celebrations, Lakhwinder did not forget to mention the role of India U-19 coach and former Test cricketer Rahul Dravid in his son’s success. “Dravid’s guidance has been the key. Shubman, though, ensures that he puts into practice every word Dravid tells him,” he said.   

So did he (Lakhwinder) offer any advice to Gill before the big semis? “I told him to take this game as any other, and not to take extra pressure. I also advised him against playing the pull shot as the pitches in New Zealand offer a lot of bounce and it is difficult to control it.” Gill seemed to have paid heed to the first part of the advice — he appeared calm and confident throughout his innings —  but the suggestion against playing the pull shot was obviously ignored. He was ruthless against short balls, and pulled with authority — the pull over midwicket off Shaheen Afridi in the 45th over told the Pakistan players loud and clear that, out in the middle, he was the boss.  “Some Pakistani players instigated him and it was his way to respond,” said Lakhwinder.  “He is generally very composed, but played with a lot of aggression today. The other thing to notice was the amount of running he did today. He has worked a lot on his fitness and it showed in the middle today.”

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