Virat Kohli on Shubman Gill: 'I was not even ten percent of that when I was 19'

[bluevision]

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: India skipper Virat Kohli on Monday said watching the young Shubman Gill bat at the nets made him realise that he was not even 10 percent as talented when he was 19.

"There are some outstanding talents coming in. You saw Prithvi Shaw grabbed his opportunities with both hands (opening Test in the West Indies). Shubman again is a very exciting talent," Kohli said.

"I saw him bat in the nets and I was like wow I was not even ten percent of that when I was 19.

"That's the confidence that they carry and it is great for Indian cricket if the standard keeps going up and the guys coming in can make impact performances straight away and we would be more than happy to give them the chances and help then grow."

Shubman, whose batting is a mirror image of Kohli, is part of India's U-19 World Cup winning team.

He had scored 418 runs at the ICC event last year batting at number three to be adjudged the Player of the Tournament.

Disappointed with yet another loss, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said a strong India is actually teaching them hard lessons in the five-match series.

"They are a very good side and they are teaching us a lesson. There are improvements today and we want to appreciate some of the lessons we have learnt from their side," Williamson said.

"The consistency about their plans and the way they forced some mistakes I guess we gotta be better than that."

He praised Ross Taylor and Tom Latham for their innings which helped the hosts post 243.

"The wicket was tough and the partnership between Latham and Ross was outstanding," he said.

The Kiwi bowlers also failed to provide regular breakthroughs and Williamson said they need to take wickets to put pressure on India.

"I think we are going okay with the ball in hand. We need early wickets to put pressure on the opposition," he said.

Mohammed Shami, who was adjudged the Man of the Match for his three-wicket haul, said: "It's really difficult to bowl against the wind. It is difficult but not too hard.

"Bhuvi (Bhuvneswar Kumar) at the other end was also a great help. Sticking to areas where we want to bowl is the key."

http://www.newindianexpress.com/spo...en-percent-of-that-when-i-was-19-1931111.html

Now that Kohli endorsed him, Gill's debut is almost certain in the 4th ODI. Hope these kids can stay foccussed and become the maistays of Indian batting by WC 2023. Exciting times ahead!

 

[spiderreddy]

"I was not even 10% of what he is now, when I was 19" - kohli about shubman gill

 

[Ganju Baba]

Now this is getting scary for me. I hope he is able to bear the burden of expectations. You can't have these words coming out of the mouth of Kohli and remain unfazed. They will either make you or break you.

 

[JattMaula]

Now this is getting scary for me. I hope he is able to bear the burden of expectations. You can't have these words coming out of the mouth of Kohli and remain unfazed. They will either make you or break you.

Our kaptaan is doing a 'Mickey Arthur'.

He did same for Shaw before his test debut.

 

[yuvi]

Only guy in India atm who has the talent to surpass Kohli.

 

[Ganju Baba]

Our kaptaan is doing a 'Mickey Arthur'.

He did same for Shaw before his test debut.

Did things turn out well for Mickey?

I will include Shaw here as well. Let these kids play, make mistakes and learn from them. They have plenty of time to be the next Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Sehwag or Kohli.

 

[yuvi]

Did things turn out well for Mickey?

I will include Shaw here as well. Let these kids play, make mistakes and learn from them. They have plenty of time to be the next Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Sehwag or Kohli.

There is a difference r in talking up mediocre players and endorsing super talented guys.

 

[Ganju Baba]

There is a difference r in talking up mediocre players and endorsing super talented guys.

"We have some incredible talent coming up such as Shubhman Gill".

This is talking up.

"I wasn't even 10% as good when I was 19".

This is silly.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Silly from Kohli.

 

[yuvi]

"We have some incredible talent coming up such as Shubhman Gill".

This is talking up.

"I wasn't even 10% as good when I was 19".

This is silly.

Kohli's choice of words is poor but he is mighty impressed with what he has seen. Otherwise he wouldn't have made such a statement.

 

[Ganju Baba]

Kohli's choice of words is poor but he is mighty impressed with what he has seen. Otherwise he wouldn't have made such a statement.

You are the best batsman in the world right now by some considerable margin and captain of the team, you are not supposed to issue silly statements. I couldn't be bothered about rest of his antics or statements about "leave the country". I don't work at the social media outrage factory.

But your words carry a lot of weight for a 19 year old who idolizes you. Let other people compare them. Kohli could have praised him in private and would have had a lot more positive impact than this.

 

[yuvi]

You are the best batsman in the world right now by some considerable margin and captain of the team, you are not supposed to issue silly statements. I couldn't be bothered about rest of his antics or statements about "leave the country". I don't work at the social media outrage factory.

But your words carry a lot of weight for a 19 year old who idolizes you. Let other people compare them. Kohli could have praised him in private and would have had a lot more positive impact than this.

Why would you mind if the captain thinks very highly of you. It will only be a confidence booster. I don't see any harmful effect.

 

[JaDed]

Then why isn't he in playing 11?

 

[WengerOut]

Then why isn't he in playing 11?

Coz Gill is not even 0.00005 % of Rayudu

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Coz Gill is not even 0.00005 % of Rayudu

)

Gold.

 

[Ganju Baba]

Why would you mind if the captain thinks very highly of you. It will only be a confidence booster. I don't see any harmful effect.

How about Captain praising him in the private and not put a target on his back?

 

[Ganju Baba]

Coz Gill is not even 0.00005 % of Rayudu

 

[JaDed]

Coz Gill is not even 0.00005 % of Rayudu

) Loll

 

[m.awais]

It is becoming a trend nowadays that even greatest players compare new, upcoming talent with themselves. I remember, once AB said that Sarfraz Khan is better than him etc... I don't know whether it helps the young talent or derails them

 

[dragon751]

Coz Gill is not even 0.00005 % of Rayudu

ultimate

 

[Mp812]

"I was not even 10% of what he is now, when I was 19" - kohli about shubman gill

And still kohli wants rayudu at 4. Agatha Christie mystery this

 

[AMSS]

Just listened to Virat's post match presser. Shocked how much he has refined himself in terms of articulation, body language, and quiet authority. Looks every bit a captain. This only makes his atavistic episodes in the field that much more hysterical to me.

 

[Oligochaetes]

Then why isn't he in playing 11?

Exactly!

Or did Kohli mean he himself was a dud at 19..

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Kohli is so Pakistani Just came here to say this

SRT, who? Our Shezzy got way more talent than Tendulkar

 

[jnaveen1980]

They are not hyping Gill. Even Karthik said the same after his IPL stint. This kid is special. Everybody knows. He showcased at every opportunity. Kohli could have said the same about so many players. No. Check Simon Doull, Alan Wilkins as well. They are also in awe of this guy. What he says is correct. At the age of 19, Kohli was not this good. Kohli became better and better once he started his career.

 

[Birdman]

Coz Gill is not even 0.00005 % of Rayudu

 

[Adijazz1706]

Going OTT is the RCB way, I remember AB praising Sarfaraz Khan to the skies some time ago, haven't heard much of him before or since

 

[dragon751]

Going OTT is the RCB way, I remember AB praising Sarfaraz Khan to the skies some time ago, haven't heard much of him before or since

ended up falling in love with his biryani i think

 

[Titan24]

No doubt Gill is a talent to watch out for, one of the best upcoming batting talents.

I have watched just one innings of his, first thing i noticed was his impressive back lift. Also his stroke play with solid head position while keeping still was pleasing to the eye. Looks calm and composed at the crease as well.

Pretty common from greats to say that a youngster is better than they were at the same age. I remember Wasim saying the same thing about Amir.

 

[Titan24]

Going OTT is the RCB way, I remember AB praising Sarfaraz Khan to the skies some time ago, haven't heard much of him before or since

Talent doesn’t equate to greatness. Countless number of talented cricketers weren't able to achieve anything. Sarfraz Khan obviously had talent but his lack of fitness and attitude of not improving it worked against him. He is still young but look to have fallen below in the pecking order due to the reasons mentioned above.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

I rate both Shaw and Gill. Hopefully by the time Kohli gets to the fag end of his career we have another super star already established in the side to carry the mantle.

These 2 have to be be in the playing XI post 2019 WC in all formats.

 

[IAJ]

Ali Asad was twice as good as Kohli at the u19 WC.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Ali Asad was twice as good as Kohli at the u19 WC.

Did he play first class after that? Scoring less than 200 runs at a strike rate of 75 in a world cup will give you no indication of future.

Gill made 372 runs in 6 games at an averages of 124.00, strike rate of 112 in U19 world cup

He followed up with successful A tours, outrageous first class season, decent IPL season.

 

[Sir Alex]

"We have some incredible talent coming up such as Shubhman Gill".

This is talking up.

"I wasn't even 10% as good when I was 19".

This is silly.

Have you seen him bat of late.

The guy has scorched Ranji trophy matches... scored over 1000 runs @ around 80 average and a strike rate of 75.

 

[cricketworm]

You can't even praise and give boost to youngster nowdays openly.

Usme bhi restriction.

"he should have said this instead"

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Shubman Gill is the best Under 23 Batsman in World Cricket. No doubt.


He handled pressure quite well while performing exceptionally well for Indian Under 19 WC team.



He has got the skillset to become Best ever Indian batsman if he stays grounded and remains fit. Don't see any shades of Kambli in his attitude atm.



Just like watching Kohli & Rohit is a treat to watch addition of Shubman to the list will make Cricket more watchable.

 

[topspin]

I rate Gill very highly but why is Rayudu in this ODI team ahead of him?

 

[bluevision]

He has got the skillset to become Best ever Indian batsman if he stays grounded and remains fit. Don't see any shades of Kambli in his attitude atm.

+1
Same with Shaw. However, I am a bit sceptical about Pant though, regarding staying grounded part. Skill and talent wise Gill tops the list of emerging batsmen I feel atm. Lets wait and watch...

@mods- thanks for starting a separate thread on this!

 

[Ganju Baba]

Have you seen him bat of late.

The guy has scorched Ranji trophy matches... scored over 1000 runs @ around 80 average and a strike rate of 75.

I did. I watched his U19 highlights as well. Kid will be a real star, once in a generation kind if he puts his head down and work hard. The way K L Rahul ended up put the fear of god in me. Shaw has less to worry about this as he seems to be of the SRT mould.

 

[kingusama92]

He's definitely more refined than Kohli was at 19.

Putting a lot of pressure on him though.

 

[jnaveen1980]

True Shaw is more like TEndulkar, Gill is more like Kohli. You should watch his slapping cover-drive . It is carbon copy of Kohli's drive through the covers.

 

[Mamoon]

It won't be surprising if Gill is already a better batsman than anyone in Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh at the moment. He seems to be a finished product already.

As far as comparisons with Kohli are concerned, it takes a lot more than being a complete batsman to merit comparisons with someone who is arguably the greatest of all time. Nonetheless, it is pretty clear that Gill and Shaw are two batsmen who will leave a big mark on the game and be remembered among India's finest batsmen.

The future of cricket belongs to India. They are churning elite talents at an incredible rate, and it is not limited to batsmen anymore. Fast bowlers, spinners, wicket-keepers - they are dominating in all fields.

 

[mystical man]

It won't be surprising if Gill is already a better batsman than anyone in Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh at the moment. He seems to be a finished product already.

As far as comparisons with Kohli are concerned, it takes a lot more than being a complete batsman to merit comparisons with someone who is arguably the greatest of all time. Nonetheless, it is pretty clear that Gill and Shaw are two batsmen who will leave a big mark on the game and be remembered among India's finest batsmen.

The future of cricket belongs to India. They are churning elite talents at an incredible rate, and it is not limited to batsmen anymore. Fast bowlers, spinners, wicket-keepers - they are dominating in all fields.

We are missing a fast bowling allrounder like Kapil Dev or Abdul Razzaq which is important for the World-Cup

 

[Hyperion66]

No doubt Gill is a talent to watch out for, one of the best upcoming batting talents.

I have watched just one innings of his, first thing i noticed was his impressive back lift. Also his stroke play with solid head position while keeping still was pleasing to the eye. Looks calm and composed at the crease as well.

Pretty common from greats to say that a youngster is better than they were at the same age. I remember Wasim saying the same thing about Amir.

A fine post.

 

[Bewal Express]

He is very good and when the Inds start to drool over any batsman you know that there is a great chance that he will be very special. But there was a young batsman called Gusheran Singh in the early 80's and there was the same hype about him and guess what.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

He is very good and when the Inds start to drool over any batsman you know that there is a great chance that he will be very special. But there was a young batsman called Gusheran Singh in the early 80's and there was the same hype about him and guess what.

Actually Indians drool over many batsmen and most end up flopping.

Though Shubhman and Shaw might be very very special.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

You can't even praise and give boost to youngster nowdays openly.

Usme bhi restriction.

"he should have said this instead"

Haha true.

 

[JattMaula]

True Shaw is more like TEndulkar, Gill is more like Kohli. You should watch his slapping cover-drive . It is carbon copy of Kohli's drive through the covers.

Shaw is more Sehwag than SRT in his batting technique and methods.

 

[Bewal Express]

Actually Indians drool over many batsmen and most end up flopping.

Though Shubhman and Shaw might be very very special.

You only need a couple to succeed and you have a successful team. The 2 you mention are excellent young players.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Shaw is more Sehwag than SRT in his batting technique and methods.

You may be right. But there is something Tendulkar about him. May be some of the shots he plays. Attitudewise he is like Sehwag. No messing around regardless of the format.

 

[JattMaula]

You may be right. But there is something Tendulkar about him. May be some of the shots he plays. Attitudewise he is like Sehwag. No messing around regardless of the format.

There was a lot of SRT's play style in Sehwag too.

Similarities between SRT and shaw are from their origin story. Both were short child prodigies from Mumbai.

 

[Hasan123]

Gill will be introduced after the World Cup and it will be interesting to see how he does. Kohli has put a lot of unnecessary pressure on him here.

 

[Mann Bharya]

Then why not give him a chance against NZ?

 

[Rana]

Hyping this Kid a bit too much and parts of the hype is getting to his head also. Check his Instagram the kid is full of himself a bit. Needs to stay humble and grounded

 

[Rana]

It won't be surprising if Gill is already a better batsman than anyone in Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh at the moment. He seems to be a finished product already.

As far as comparisons with Kohli are concerned, it takes a lot more than being a complete batsman to merit comparisons with someone who is arguably the greatest of all time. Nonetheless, it is pretty clear that Gill and Shaw are two batsmen who will leave a big mark on the game and be remembered among India's finest batsmen.

The future of cricket belongs to India. They are churning elite talents at an incredible rate, and it is not limited to batsmen anymore. Fast bowlers, spinners, wicket-keepers - they are dominating in all fields.

Gill is not better than Babar even now. He will eventually become better

 

[ManFan]

Gill, Shaw, and Pant should take over the Indian middle-order and India are guaranteed a spot in the Final.

 

[TheSensible]

Hyping this Kid a bit too much and parts of the hype is getting to his head also. Check his Instagram the kid is full of himself a bit. Needs to stay humble and grounded

Just did for the sake of checking your claim. What suggests the hype “getting to his head.”

Did he delete his posts or you seeing something i’m not?

 

[JaDed]

Gill, Shaw, and Pant should take over the Indian middle-order and India are guaranteed a spot in the Final.

Dream of most Indian posters here lol.

 

[Hyperion66]

Hyping this Kid a bit too much and parts of the hype is getting to his head also. Check his Instagram the kid is full of himself a bit. Needs to stay humble and grounded

Not sure what you saw there but agree with you that he needs to stay humble.

 

[SportsWarrior]

i know Kholi is trying to encourage the kid, but these kinds of statements might end up hurting Gill's progress. We don't hyperbolas

 

[jnaveen1980]

i know Kholi is trying to encourage the kid, but these kinds of statements might end up hurting Gill's progress. We don't hyperbolas

In a way i am happy that he shares his views as we were not unsure whether Kohli would get him into the mix at all. Gill is such a gorgeous player to watch. Rohit, Gill, Kohli going great guns will be like poetry in motion.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Be prepared for a couple of failures upfront before he starts making his mark at the international. You can handle anything. But nevous energy is something that has brought down many players. KL Rahul belongs to that category. Hope he is mentally strong like Kohli.

 

[SportsWarrior]

In a way i am happy that he shares his views as we were not unsure whether Kohli would get him into the mix at all. Gill is such a gorgeous player to watch. Rohit, Gill, Kohli going great guns will be like poetry in motion.

Agreed. But generally Kohli goes ga ga over lot of talented players like ABDV. After years of playing AB didn’t win anything for RCB or even SA. So let’s booe Gill does better for India

 

[BaankeJi]

You can't even praise and give boost to youngster nowdays openly.

Usme bhi restriction.

"he should have said this instead"

Correct. Take it easy guys. He is not made of snowflakes.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Agreed. But generally Kohli goes ga ga over lot of talented players like ABDV. After years of playing AB didn’t win anything for RCB or even SA. So let’s booe Gill does better for India

Dinesh karthik, All the U19 commies, many domestic coaches have nothing but good things to say about him. But i don't listen to hype. I just watch myself and make a judgement. From U19 till Ranji he is getting better by the day. He almost always picks the length perfectly.

 

[gazza619]

It is one thing looking good in the nets and another thing doing well in pressure situations in an international game.

Time will tell how good this kid is.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Not sure if Kohli did the right thing, hyping up a young player can be disastrous. Even Kohli didn't get compared to Tendulkar until 2012.

 

[Mahee]

eagerly waiting to watch Gill babu batting in his debut match

 

[cricketjoshila]

It doesnot matter if Gill is better than Kohli at 19. Will he be better than Kohli at 30?

 

[giri26]

Well over the top from Virat. There was no need for that. Let the kid play and grow without any pressure. No need for these hyperbole's.

 

[Sir Alex]

Hyping this Kid a bit too much and parts of the hype is getting to his head also. Check his Instagram the kid is full of himself a bit. Needs to stay humble and grounded

I would expect peoples' Instagram and social media generally to be about themselves mostly. Otherwise it wouldn't really be serving the purpose does it.

 

[par]

Kohli says 'I was not even ten percent of that when I was 19'. The key word is 19. Obviously Kohli is not comparing Gill with present day version of himself.

We all know that Indian media operates only on extremes. If Gill can not take a praise or criticism here and there, he will not succeed in Indian cricket. Tendulkar probably got praised more from the days he was younger than Gill is now. He turned out alright in the end.

 

[last_knight]

"We have some incredible talent coming up such as Shubhman Gill".

This is talking up.

"I wasn't even 10% as good when I was 19".

This is silly.

It's subjective.
Some individuals are motivated by praises (Fakhar was praised by coach before his 200 innings), some by challenges (Imam ul Haq). Some are introvert (Babar/Kohli). Have to manage them according to their personality. Gill, I think has learned his way to be introvert.

Shafiq was like Imam,needed to be challenged, but treated like Fakhar.
Azhar was like Fakhar,needed praise, but treated like Imam.

 

[Snowflake]

This is just a captain providing self belief and confidence to a youngster. Well done, Kohli!

 

[pillionrider]

Pretty common from greats to say that a youngster is better than they were at the same age. I remember Wasim saying the same thing about Amir.

Sadly, many Pak fans took that seriously.

Kohli stood out during the U-19 WC and is just trying to be pseudo-humble here. Probably thinks he's boosting the young player. These things don't often work out. Tendulkar had lavished praise on Rayudu when he was a teenager and look how that turned out.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Said the same thing about Shaw iirc. Well these two are special talents. Im surprised that manjot Kalra has not even played first class/list A. He's a free flowing strokrplay and played a clutch knock in the u19 world cup final.

 

[redmaverik84]

Oh you guys should have seen Rayudu in 2001 after he toured England with the U-19. He was touted as the next coming of Sachin and based on the videos of that series you would have said why not. He was indeed a dark horse for selection for the WC 2003 but didnt happen. He then withered playing Domestic, could be lack of motivation, got into troubles with the association, joined ICL, the was barred and by the time he made his debut in his late 20s that spark in his batting was missing. Pretty certain the new guys around wouldnt end up like Rayudu.

 

[cr7great]

Gill will go kl rahul way.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Oh you guys should have seen Rayudu in 2001 after he toured England with the U-19. He was touted as the next coming of Sachin and based on the videos of that series you would have said why not. He was indeed a dark horse for selection for the WC 2003 but didnt happen. He then withered playing Domestic, could be lack of motivation, got into troubles with the association, joined ICL, the was barred and by the time he made his debut in his late 20s that spark in his batting was missing. Pretty certain the new guys around wouldnt end up like Rayudu.

Rayudu was a very talented player. He was held back because Arjun Yadav was the Hyderabad captain. Yadav was a third rate FC cricketer and was literally a goon and a bully. His father Shivlal Yadav was Hyderabad Cricket Association secretary and former India cricketer. Father and Son duo promoted nepotism and only those loyal to them would get promoted in Hyderabad team.

Rayudu was too talented to lick their feets and had issues with Arjun Yadav and was suspended or may be dropped from Hyd team. Frustrated he joined the ICL. Wasted his 4-5 prime years there.

 

[Oxfordchamp]

Gill has a level head and is not one to be swayed..he is in dravid/sachin mould..and that will take him places...