Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has lauded Shubman Gill after India claimed an eight-wicket win in the opening ODI against the West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

The Indian skipper scored an impressive knock of 110 runs off 108 balls with the help of 13 fours and one six. This was Gill’s 10th ODI century, and he added 151 runs off 132 balls with Virat Kohli for the second wicket to put India in a winning position. Thus, the duo played a key role in India’s convincing win against the visitors, chasing down 296 with 50 balls to spare.

Gill’s ODI numbers in 2026 have been mind-boggling as he has scored 671 runs in nine innings at an average of 95.85 and a strike rate of 109.10.

Aakash Chopra said on Cricinfo, “I think Shubman Gill understands the DNA of ODI cricket. In fact, 2026 is his year. He’s averaging close to 100, striking at a good strike rate as well. He’s also someone who was unhappy in the end, kicking himself that he should have finished the game off. He’s got almost Virat Kohli-like traits. When you look at him, the way he bats, the hunger, the appetite, that is insatiable.”

Chopra highlighted that Gill took some time to get his rhythm against the West Indies as he was playing International cricket after a while.

“There is one thing with Shubman also now. The last international game he played was against Sri Lanka in Test cricket. Then there is a lull, there is a break, where he goes and plays in Sher-E-Punjab. But it’s not the same quality.

“Yes, Virat and Rohit had a slightly longer break. But even for an active cricketer, if you’ve not played international cricket for a month, month and a half, a little more, I mean, you sometimes take a little longer. This is what we saw in the first half, first few balls, where there was a chance as well. But after that, that was sublime,” Chopra concluded.

The second ODI between India and the West Indies will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on Wednesday.