Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showered praise on Shubman Gill after India registered a six-wicket win against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai in the ongoing Asia Cup on Sunday.

Gill scored an impressive knock of 47 runs off just 28 balls with the help of eight fours and added 105 runs with his opening partner, Abhishek Sharma. The Indian vice-captain was able to time the ball to perfection but was dismissed after a break.

Gill scored his runs at a strike rate of 167.86 and played the second fiddle role to Abhishek Sharma.

“Gill played a safe innings, and he still struck at around 200. He has not completely expressed himself, but this innings will give him confidence. He has not scored big in the Asia Cup so far, now he will start expressing himself much more. Today, he also reverse-swept, which I have not seen Shubman Gill do,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel .

On the other hand, Ashwin showered praise on India’s bowling show as Men in Blue were able to restrict Pakistan to 171-5 after electing to field first. Shivam Dube was the star of the show as he returned with figures of 2-33 in his quota of four overs.

“Shivam Dube took complete advantage of what was in his favor, so definitely props to him. Bumrah is not going to have several off days, but Indian bowling was clinical once again. In my view, India were very very professional with the ball,” Ashwin concluded.

Meanwhile, India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah had a rare off day as he was taken for 45 runs in his quota of four overs. 

India will next take on Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Wednesday.