Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has voiced his prediction for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, naming India opener Shubman Gill as the potential top run-scorer in the tournament.
De Villiers highlighted Gill's incredible form this year and emphasized his role as an opening batsman, which could place him at the summit of the batting charts.
In a recent YouTube video, De Villiers expressed his conviction, saying, “Shubman Gill will be the highest run-scorer in the World Cup. He is in great form. I was always going to go with an opening batter—at the very worst, a No. 3 batter.”
De Villiers lauded Gill's batting prowess and his adaptability to various match situations.
He acknowledged the simplicity and effectiveness of Gill's technique, stating, “His style and technique are quite simple and basic, as you would generally say for some of the best players in the world.
“Shubman Gill is much more traditional, very straightforward technique, and doesn't try a lot of different things. He can change the gears and put a lot of pressure on the bowlers.”
Shubman Gill in ODIs in 2023:
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 25, 2023
70(60), 21(12), 116(97), 208(149), 40*(53), 112(78), 20(31), 0(2), 37(49), 7(16), 34(49), 85(92), 10(32), 67*(62), 58(52), 19(25), 121(133), 27*(19), 74(63) & 104(97). pic.twitter.com/VhJoM3Oe32
One of Gill's standout qualities, according to De Villiers, is his exceptional ability to judge the length of deliveries quickly, a trait shared by some of the world's finest cricketers.
He praised Gill's rapid emergence as a top-tier player in all formats of the game, underlining his potential as an exciting young talent.
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Shifting focus to the Indian cricket team's preparations for the World Cup, De Villiers commended the decision to include senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the ODI squad.
He expressed his belief that Ashwin should have been part of the World Cup plan from the outset due to his valuable experience and skill set.
AB de Villiers applauds Indian selectors' decision to pick Ashwin
Describing Ashwin's addition as an “unbelievable move,” De Villiers emphasized the all-rounder's ability to excel in pressure situations and his astute understanding of the game. He noted that Ashwin brings versatility with both bat and ball, making him a crucial asset to the Indian team.
De Villiers acknowledged that Ashwin's inclusion may pose challenges for other teams, emphasizing his effectiveness as a player who strives to win matches. Despite Ashwin's occasionally controversial reputation, De Villiers praised his commitment to the team's success.
Ashwin has already showcased his bowling prowess in the ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia. With four wickets at an impressive economy rate, Ashwin has proven his worth and affirmed De Villiers' belief in his potential impact on India's World Cup campaign.
