Punjab head coach Sandeep Sharma has showered praise on Shubman Gill for consistently delivering the goods. Sharma said Gill was always going to be a world-class batter as he showed all the promise to go a long way in his career.

Gill was recently appointed as India’s Test captain, and he was able to grab his opportunity with both hands. The Indian skipper scored 754 runs in five Test matches at an average of 75.40 and played a key role in helping India draw the Test series.

“Shubman is a special player. I’ve seen him since he was around 15 years old — we knew even then that he was destined to go far. It was clear — Shubman was going to be world-class,” Sandeep Singh said in an interview with The Hindu.

Sharma revealed Gill and India’s T20I opener Abhishek Sharma worked closely under Yuvraj Singh’s tutelage and pushed each other in the training sessions

“Now he’s the captain of the Indian team and vice-captain in the white-ball formats. He has worked closely with Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh), and they share a strong bond. During Covid, he and Abhishek Sharma trained and stayed together — they used to work out, practice, and push each other. That kind of discipline and hunger pays off. What you see today is the result of consistent effort and focus,” he added.

Gill has been ruled out of the upcoming Duleep Trophy due to illness. He and Abhishek Sharma will be seen in action in the Asia Cup and could be seen opening the innings for the Men in Blue.

Gill has been appointed as the vice-captain and thus his place should be certain in the playing XI.