He's not next somebody he's first Shubman Gill: Jaffer urges people to avoid comparisons
Dec 29, 2020
New Delhi [India], December 29 : While good performances attract praise, it also sees people draw comparisons with former stars. And with Shubman Gill putting up an impressive show in the Boxing Day Test, comparisons have already started. But former India opener Wasim Jaffer has urged people not to compare the youngster with anyone.
Gill looked in good touch when he stepped out to make his Test debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against Australia. While he scored 45 in the first innings, he hit an unbeaten 35 in the second as India secured an eight-wicket win in the match.
"Shubman is special but please let him enjoy his cricket and grow into his career. Don't compare him to anyone and put undue pressure on him. He's not next somebody he's first Shubman Gill. We've lost many great talents due to undue pressure and unreal expectations. #Shubmangill," Jaffer tweeted.
With no Virat Kohli, no Rohit Sharma, no Ishant Sharma, no Mohammad Shami, and the humiliation of getting bundled out for 36 at the Adelaide Oval, it was a brilliant turnaround by India to level the series. The win not only brought India right back in the series, but also took the team a step closer to the final of the World Test Championship.
Riding on the back of a brilliant partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja on day three, India first dismissed Australia for 200 and then came back to chase the target of 70 in just 15.5 overs on day four. If one session had cost India the first Test, it was again a session -- wherein Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja weathered the storm on day two -- that saw India bag the second game.
However, the win wasn't as easy as it showed on paper. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc gave Australia the early wickets to ensure the win wouldn't be a cakewalk for the visitors.
Starc dismissed Mayank while Cummins sent Pujara back as a small target started looking a little difficult. However, some assured strokeplay from Gill and Rahane calmed the nerves in the Indian dressing room as India registered a comprehensive 8-wicket win.
