Have to show I deserve the Indian call-up: Gill

Shubman Gill has been heralded as the next big thing in Indian cricket, following the footsteps of Virat Kohli. It all kicked-off when Gill scored a match-winning century against arch-rivals Pakistan in the semi-final stage of the U-19 World Cup in 2018. Since then, the youngster has been viewed as a Test ball talent in Indian colours. 

But very recently, his string of high scores in the ODI format has somewhat turned the corner for him. His form continued, in the quarter-final against Karnataka, where he scored a 55-ball 126, in a knock of utmost importance for Punjab as they progressed to the semi-final stage of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. 

"It's an important milestone for me, especially when it has come at the Eden. Especially as an opener when you spend time on the pitch and make runs, it gives a lot of confidence," Gill told PTI following the clash. 

The 23-year-old was earlier in the week picked in India’s T20I squad for the series against New Zealand. On that, the youngster believed that he has to “show” that he deserves the Indian call-up and this was just part of that. 

"It is a good feeling to get selected for the Indian team in any format. Now I have to show that I deserve this chance. On this pitch, you find seam movement early on during the powerplay. Later, it becomes easier to bat.”

"I made a mistake in the previous match and went for a big shot instead of waiting for the right time. So, I wanted to take my time. Feels good to have executed the plan well," he added.

On his move away from Kolkata Knight Riders, Gill revealed that the franchise didn’t retain him, hence providing the opportunity to Gujarat Titans to get him ahead of the Auction.

“I never had any such plan of leaving KKR. Whatever the circumstances were, KKR didn’t retain me.

“But then, I went to Gujarat Titans, did well there and we won the IPL. Now in future, we can’t predict what will happen and what possibilities may arise,” he said.

Gill also plied his trade earlier in the cricketing season for Glamorgan, where he hit a century in September. The opener reflected on the experience, calling it quite good. 

“The cricketing culture is a bit different there. Going out of the Indian (cricketing) culture and experiencing that of the English cricketers was quite good for me.”