Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has showered praise on Shubman Gill for his stellar run in ODIs. Ashwin said a lot of experts were questioning Gill’s place in the Indian squad but he has answered his naysayers in style. 

Gill has been performing consistently in the 50-over version and recently scored 259 runs in three ODIs against England at an impressive average of 86.33. Thus, the right-hander was awarded Player of the Series.

Gill continued his rich form in India’s opening game of the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh as he scored a crucial knock of 101 runs off 129 balls to help his team chase down the target of 229.

The youngster has amassed 2667 runs in 51 ODI matches at a splendid average of 62.51 and a strike rate of 100.79.

“Many people were discussing when the Champions Trophy was announced, maybe they were confusing it with Tests and saying how Shubman Gill can get a place in the squad. They were saying how Shubman was named vice-captain? But after every match, he’s replying to them,” he said on his Hindi YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’.

“In white-ball formats, and especially in one-dayers, he’s saying, ‘I’m here to stay’. Even in T20s, his stats are good. When Test format returns, these questions will arise again and then, I can understand,” Ashwin added.

The former Indian all-rounder, who recently announced his retirement on the Australian tour, said Gill is like gold dust in the 50-over format.

“The 2023 World Cup didn’t go to Gill’s standards, but nevertheless, Shubman Gill has once again proven why he’s an exceptional, generational talent. He’s an absolute gold dust in this format, the way he sets his tempo, and the way he showed his temperament to seal the chase… it wasn’t the easiest of white-ball template pitches, but he adapted brilliantly,” the former India cricketer said.

Gill will look to carry his purple patch in the ongoing Champions Trophy.