IPL and Ranji Trophy experience helped in India call-up: Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has enjoyed tremendous success in the last one year. After winning the U19 World Cup for India, Shubman was picked for Rs 1.8 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders and he impressed with a brilliant 57 against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings. After a stellar show in the Deodhar Trophy, Shubman was picked for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy where he averaged over 100 and his highest was a blazing 268 against Tamil Nadu. His exploits have earned recognition by the BCCI, who have called him into the India squad for the series against New Zealand after Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were suspended for their comments on the show Koffee With Karan.

Speaking after his selection, the 19-year-old from Punjab said his exposure to the IPL, the Ranji Trophy and the competitive environment created in the U19 set-up was instrumental in shaping his approach to cricket. “I have gained maximum exposure from IPL and Ranji Trophy experience has also helped immensely. Though, it all started with the win in the U-19 World Cup where we experienced the media pressure for the first time.  The atmosphere that is created during the U-19 World Cup does help you at higher levels,” Shubman told PTI.

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Shubman said the challenge for him now was to soak the pressure as it comes. “The call was unexpected but I understand the circumstances in which I have been picked. I have a pretty set target in mind. I have done well at all the levels I have played in so far and that has given me the belief that I can also excel in international cricket,” the youngster said.

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The Punjab lad, who was in decent form in the India A tour of New Zealand, added that it was a great feeling that he could get a chance to play in New Zealand, a country where he achieved tremendous success by becoming the highest run-getter for India in their victorious campaign.

“At this time last year we went for the World Cup and now I have got an India call-up. Yes, last one year has been great but I would see this as a result of work put in by me ever since I started playing the game. It is a big advantage (to be picked for the New Zealand tour). I played well there in the U-19 World Cup and now again I have got the opportunity. As I have done well there, I can say that there isn't much adjustment needed in the technique. If I get an opportunity, I will have just need to handle the pressure that comes with playing for India. Mentally, it will be different for sure but I am ready,” Shubman said.

The first match of the series between India and New Zealand begins on January 23 at McLean Park, Napier.