‘He could do the same for India this year’ – Suresh Raina backs Shubman Gill to replicate Rohit Sharma’s 2019 ODI World Cup performance in ODI World Cup 2023

Team India has been gearing up to win the ODI World Cup 2023 after clinching the Asia Cup 2023. Notably, the Men in Blue look confident owing to their magnificent show in the Continental Cup, and they will be looking to continue this winning momentum in the marquee event. Team India last won the tournament in 2011 under the captaincy of legendary cricketer MS Dhoni on their home soil, and this time also Rohit Sharma and Co. are favourites to lift the trophy at home.

Meanwhile, former India cricketer turned analyst Suresh Raina feels Shubman Gill will be one of the most watched-out players in the big tournament. The well-renowned cricket commentator feels the young batter can outshine by smashing back-to-back centuries as Rohit Sharma did in the 2019 World Cup. In addition, the former all-rounder says the right-handed batter can repeat the same as he gets a great chance to play the full 50 overs.

“He’ll be one of the most important players at the World Cup. What Rohit Sharma did in the 2019 World Cup; Gill could do the same for India this year. He’ll get 50 overs to bat, so it’s a takeoff point for his batting. I think he’s a born leader and he shows that in his game,” Suresh Raina said on JioCinema.

Shubman Gill has been consistent for a year and a half: Suresh Raina

The former CSK star heaps praise on Shubman Gill owing to his consistent performances this year. In addition, the 36-year-old admitted that the star India opener struggled during the series against the West Indies but marked a great comeback in the Asia Cup 2023 as the 24-year-old batter recorded two half-centuries against Nepal and Pakistan and one hundred against Bangladesh in the Continental Cup.

“He’s been consistent for a year and a half. He struggled in the middle against West Indies, but the way he’s come back and scored good runs in the Asia Cup. He is looking positive, using good footwork, and from getting out at 40 against the West Indies, he is now comfortably hitting 50s and even 100s,” he added further.