Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 8: Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Manjrekar recently recalled the first-ever net session of star opener Shubman Gill for the senior national team, highlighting the remarkable impact Gill made, which left coach Ravi Shastri in awe.
In a video shared by Star Sports on their official X handle, Manjrekar spoke about the tradition in India where players need to impress throwdown specialists—who bowl extremely fast—during their first net sessions. Gill, according to Manjrekar, passed this “screen test” with flying colors, playing exceptional shots that left a lasting impression. Manjrekar recalled that Ravi Shastri was particularly impressed, saying, “We have got a ready-made player,” reflecting the faith the team had in Gill from the very start of his international journey.
Gill made his debut for India in 2019 after an impressive U-19 World Cup performance in 2018, where he was named the ‘Player of the Tournament’ for scoring 372 runs in six matches. Since then, he has evolved into one of India’s premier all-format players.
In 101 international matches, Gill has accumulated 4,886 runs in 128 innings, with an average of 42.85 and a strike rate of 82.00. His tally includes 12 centuries and 24 fifties, with a career-best score of 208. His ODI record stands out significantly, with 2,415 runs from 48 matches at an impressive average of 58.90, featuring six centuries and 14 fifties. He holds the record for the fastest player to score 2,000 ODI runs in just 38 innings and is the youngest ODI double centurion.
Gill is also part of an elite list of Indian cricketers with centuries in all three international formats, though his Test stats don’t yet reflect his full potential. In 32 Tests, he has scored 1,893 runs in 59 innings at an average of 35.05, with five centuries and seven fifties, his highest score being 128.
The young opener’s recent ODI performances, including a fine 87 off 96 balls during a tense run-chase against England, further cement his place as one of India’s brightest talents.
Gill is expected to be back in action during the second ODI at Cuttack on Sunday.