INTERVIEW

We are all trying to push the boundaries - Shubman Gill

by Manuja Veerappa • Published on

Shubman Gill insists his focus is on performance and not rewards © Getty

As Shubman Gill walked back from a fielding drill at the Just Cricket ground In Bengaluru on Friday (august 16), a budding cricketer clutching an autograph book screamed, 'Shubman sir, autograph please.' The talented batsman smiled. "When I was younger, I always wanted autographs or pictures of players like Yuvraj Singh when they came to Mohali. So whenever I'm asked, I make sure no kid goes without it," Gill said.

It's an indication of Gill's steady rise in Indian cricket since his exploits in India's U-19 World Cup winning campaign last year. In the 18 months since, Gill has seen highs and lows including a rather modest ODI debut against New Zealand earlier this year. Playing for India 'A', the 19-year-old showed class in the West Indies earlier this month when he became the youngest Indian to score a double hundred in a first-class game. Gill, who was in reckoning for a place in the senior side for the West Indies tour, believes the unbeaten 204 against West Indies 'A' has been a huge confidence-booster.

In an interview, Gill, who will captain India Blue in the Duleep Trophy beginning on Saturday, said his focus is on performance and not rewards.

Excerpts

On India 'A' tour of West Indies

Overall it was a good experience for me to play in West Indies. Initially the wickets were not as good as we expected. So, to get off that period and score for my team and win matches for them was a great feeling.

On the confidence from the unbeaten 204

That innings was a huge confidence booster and it was pending because in the one-dayers I was getting out in 70s and 80s. I played four matches and got three fifties (62, 77, 69). In the second four-day game, I got out off the first ball in the first innings. Then, I told myself that if I get a chance to bat again I have to bring up a big knock. It was the perfect opportunity because we were 14 for 3. I started getting runs and it was important to carry on with that momentum and not get carried away and lose my wicket.

On becoming the youngest Indian to score a double century in first-class cricket

When I was batting I did not know. I was just trying to make sure that I stayed there for the team and scored big runs and set a good target for the opposition. When I got to know I had broken Gautam Gambhir's record it felt good.

On the impact of Rahul Dravid

It helps a lot when Rahul sir is around because he has been with us for the past few years. He is keen to be with us. It helps us not just in our batting, but life in general. You can go to him any time and talk about problems whether it is our batting or other things. He is always there to guide us.

On the competition in the India 'A' team

We are all trying to push the boundaries. Whenever we get the opportunity we make sure we go all out and win matches for the team. I won't say we have a healthy competition between us because when we are playing for India 'A' we do not discuss our personal ambitions. We just discuss how to approach the matches on hand.

On transition from Under-19 to senior cricket

When you are exposed to international 'A' teams, touring abroad, the experience and learning we get help us when we come back and play for the senior team.

On the pressure of making it to the Indian senior team

Whenever I go out to play, things like pressure and expectations never come to my head. The thing that comes to my head are 'how am I going to score runs on this wicket and how I am going to tackle these bowlers'.

On the Duleep Trophy

As a captain it is important for me to make sure that players are switched on so that they don't think of personal goals all the time. If we are going to win these matches and get to the final you get one more opportunity to perform.

© TNN

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