“This Is What Kohli Does” – Dinesh Karthik’s Big Claim After 1st T20I Vs Australia

Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik lauded Shubman Gill for his elegant innings in the first T20I against Australia in Canberra on Wednesday, October 29. Karthik praised Gill’s 20-ball unbeaten 37, comparing it to the kind of effortless knocks Virat Kohli often plays in ODIs.

Though Gill mostly relied on traditional strokes, he maintained an impressive strike rate of 185, smashing four fours and one six. His brisk knock powered India to 97/1 in the 10th over before rain interrupted play and the match was eventually abandoned. Sharing his thoughts on Cricbuzz after the no-result, Dinesh Karthik highlighted Gill’s composure and control at the crease.

“This is what Virat Kohli does in ODIs. You’ll never know where he is till you look at the scorecard. You’ll think he has only been around sometime and he’ll be on 45.”

Karthik Backs Gill Amid T20I Pressure, Notes Intense Opener Competition

Shubman Gill has been facing significant pressure to deliver in T20Is, especially after his sudden inclusion as an opener for the recent Asia Cup.

“I am sure he is aware of the kind of players he is keeping out, starting from Sanju ( opening), Yashasvi and the rest like Ruturaj and KL Rahul, etc. It’s not easy to be a T20 player right now because you need to be consistent, exceptionally skilled and almost play a match-winning knock every second or third game. That’s the kind of depth India has,” said Karthik.

He further added:

“But the fact that he is the Indian captain and vice-captain will give him a lot of confidence. That helps you up to a point but then you need to go out there and put out the runs, which he has done nicely today.”

Gill had been out of T20I action for a year before the recent Asia Cup, leading India to split the successful opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.