Shubman Gill explains how he creates a balanced opening partnership with Rohit Sharma.
The Indian cricket team's Asia Cup 2023 opener against Pakistan on September 2 will mark the return of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma to action. The duo, absent from India's current T20I series with Ireland, is anticipated to play pivotal roles in the upcoming tournament held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
What did Shubman Gill say about his partnership with Rohit Sharma?
Frequently referred to as the upcoming sensation in international cricket, Indian batsman Shubman Gill has shared significant details regarding his powerful batting duo with captain Rohit Sharma. Veteran player Rohit is set to lead the team alongside Virat Kohli in the Asia Cup, a squad brimming with stars that will likely be pruned for the ICC World Cup.
Rohit Sharma appreciating Shubman Gill's Hundred.
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) May 26, 2023
What a beautiful picture! pic.twitter.com/esQxE7jdgO
Gill brought attention to Rohit's attacking mindset from the start, drawing a comparison with his own prudent playing style, resulting in a harmonious blend.
“I think because his (Rohit's) targeted areas are a bit different (to mine). He loves to go aerial in the Powerplay. And I'm someone who likes to find the gaps and keep getting those boundaries, and he's someone who likes to hit sixes. So I think that combination works well,” the 23-year-old said, as per ICC.
Gill also gave recognition to Rohit for fostering an environment where young players can express their natural playing style. Earlier, Rohit shared valuable advice with emerging talent Yashasvi Jaiswal during the latter's Test debut in the Caribbean. Rohit's counsel bore fruit, as the Rajasthan Royals youngster delivered a scintillating innings of 171 against the West Indies in Dominica.
It feels great to be able to open with him, especially knowing that all the focus is on him. He's someone who likes the other batters to go and just express himself and play the way I want to play the game. So in that nature, he gives the players full freedom for how they want to express their game,” Gill continued.
The collaboration between the opening batsmen will play a pivotal role for the Indian squad in both the Asia Cup and the World Cup. Rohit and Gill have hammered a total of 685 runs while sharing the crease in the 50-over format. The Indian opening pair boasts an impressive average of 76.11 across the nine ODIs in which they opened for the Men in Blue.
