Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad: The Future of Indian Cricket Post-Kohli and Rohit
As the legendary duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma approach the twilight of their illustrious careers, Indian cricket fans are eagerly looking towards the next generation of stars to carry the torch. Veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla believes that Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad possess the talent and potential to fill the void left by the departing greats.
Chawla, who has shared the dressing room with both Kohli and Rohit, recently expressed his admiration for Gill and Gaikwad on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast. He hailed Gill’s exceptional technique as a key factor in his success. “Shubman Gill—because of his technique. Whenever one goes through poor form, a batter who is technically strong can come out of it. Any batter who has a good technique cannot stay out of form for too long,” Chawla said.
Gill, 25, has already established himself as a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup. With 25 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 21 T20Is under his belt, he has amassed over 4,400 international runs, including 11 centuries. His ability to adapt to different formats and conditions has made him a reliable performer for India.
While Gaikwad, 27, has faced some setbacks due to injuries and selection issues, Chawla remains confident in his abilities. “It [getting dropped or injured] is part and parcel of the game. It will keep happening. But, whenever he has got the opportunity, he has looked different. For me, these two players (Gill and Gaikwad) are special,” Chawla added.
Gaikwad has shown glimpses of his brilliance in the limited opportunities he has received. In six ODIs and 23 T20Is, he has scored over 750 runs, including a T20I century. His aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundary with ease make him a valuable asset to any team.
With Kohli and Rohit nearing retirement, the onus will fall on Gill and Gaikwad to lead the Indian batting charge in the years to come. Their talent, determination, and experience make them the ideal candidates to carry the legacy of their illustrious predecessors.
