ICC ODI World Cup 2023: For Me, The Young Player Of World Cup Will Be Shubman Gill, Says Jacques Kallis
New Delhi: South African legend cricketer Jacques Kallis has praised Indian opener Shubman Gill and backed him by saying that Gill will be the young player of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. The South African legend also said that the right-handed opener is one of his favourite players, and he is looking forward to Gill having a good tournament.
Since the exclusion of Indian veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan, Gill has established himself in the top order as one of the finest batters in just a short period of time. It says a lot about his calibre and his talent as a batter beacause Gill has replaced Dhawan. In the last few months in ODI cricket, the Gujarat Titans (GT) opener has been the best batter for the Rohit Sharma-led side and has also scored a double century in a 50-over format and played some fantastic knocks.
Speaking to the ICC, Jacques Kallis was asked who he felt would be the best young player in the upcoming marquee tournament. The Proteas all-rounder didn’t hesitate and took the name of Shubman Gill. The great all-rounder also praised him and said that he was fortunate enough to work with him during his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“For me, the young player of the World Cup will be Shubman Gill. What a talent, not much more needs to be said about him, except to think I was going to enjoy watching him bat. One of my favourite players to watch,” The Proteas all-rounder said.
“I was lucky enough to work with him at KKR and see him develop, looking forward to seeing him have a good World Cup,” Jacques Kallis said.
Ahead of two big tournaments i.e. Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023 Gill will play an important role for Team India in the top order. The right-handed batter has amassed 750 runs in 12 games at an average of 68.18, including three centuries and two fifties, this year so far. Gill had also emerged as the highest run-getter in IPL 2023, scoring 890 runs in 17 games, including three centuries and four fifties.