Saba Karim lauds Shubman Gill, says India captain is going to be part of future Fab 4

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Saba Karim hailed Shubman Gill for his brilliant performance in the second Test match against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Gill scored a fantastic knock of 269 runs in the first innings and followed it with another incredible innings of 161 runs off just 162 balls in the second innings.

The right-hander showed insatiable hunger for runs in both innings and broke multiple records. Gill also became the first batter to manage scores of 250-plus and 150-plus in a Test. He has become only second Indian after Gavaskar to hit a double ton and century in the same Test.

Karim was impressed with Gill’s precise footwork in both innings, which helped him reap rewards.

“When he scored a double century in the first innings as well, it seemed like he didn’t face any difficulties. Today (Saturday), it was required to score runs slightly faster, so I think his strike rate was higher by at least 10 or 15. So he scored runs as per the situation and the team’s demand. We are repeatedly calling it a flawless knock due to the precision of his footwork,” Saba Karim said on Sony Sports.

“Precision in footwork will come only when you pick the length very early. That’s what I have liked the most about Shubman Gill in this series. It never seemed like he got stuck on the crease. We keep talking about who would be the future Fab Four. I feel you can write his name in that for sure, there is no doubt about that,” the former India wicketkeeper-batter added.

On Saturday, Shubman Gill and his deputy Rishabh Pant added 110 runs off 103 balls to strengthen India’s position and the former selector noted the duo is dangerous for the opposition when they bat together.

“That’s why these two players are so dangerous when they bat together. It becomes very difficult for the bowler to find his rhythm and length. There was a time when Rishabh Pant tried to hit the ball hard, and Zak Crawley dropped the catch,” he replied.

Pant was heard saying on the stump mic that he would look to play with a straight bat after he missed a couple of shots while playing across the line.

“After that, he tried to hit across the line once again. Then he said to himself and the captain that he would play straight only. After that, he didn’t play any shots across the line. This player has so much talent that he feels he can play any kind of shots, but sometimes you have to self-discipline yourself, which Rishabh Pant showed by doing it in this knock,” Saba observed.

Day five start has been delayed because of rain.