I Am Really Excited To Share The Dressing Room With Virat - Shubman Gill

How life can change within a span of just one year, Shubman Gill is the perfect example of it. Life is moving so fast for him since he put his first step in professional cricket. Around this time last year, Gill was playing Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand and a year later he is all set to begin his international career for his national side at the same place as he has included for the New Zealand tour (ODIs only) starting from January 23.

Well, Shubman Gill is happy and excited and why wouldn't he be as it has nothing sort of dream come true to share a dressing room with his idol Virat Kohli. He hides no emotion to express his excitement as he is going to share dressing with Kohli. He is also hopeful of pushing himself for World Cup spot.



"I am really excited to share the dressing room with Virat. It is a surreal feeling. He is my idol. I like the way he handles pressure. Now, I'll get the chance to learn from him directly. Often I watch Virat's batting videos on YouTube. Whatever I learn, I try and put it into practice in the nets," the youngster told TOI.

"If I do well for my country, then there is a chance that I might even make the 2019 World Cup squad. For that, I will have to make good every opportunity that is given to me," he said. "My preference is the opening slot but if I am given an opportunity in the middle-order, I will try and maximise that chance."

Shubman Gill's selection was on the line as he has been in dream form since India's Under-19 World Cup triumph where he smashed 372 runs in 5 innings at an average of 124 and won the man of the tournament award. Also, his Ranji Trophy form has been stupendous where he has smashed 728 runs in 5 matches at an average of 104. "The Ranji season so far has been great for me. I am in good nick and hitting the ball well. The confidence of having scored runs on a consistent basis is there. Grinding it out in domestic cricket has improved my game enormously," said Gill.



However, Gill thought it was a surprise call-up for him but happy that he got an opportunity to play for his country. "It was a surprise call-up for me. I was just going to sleep and suddenly at around 1 am, I got messages from reporters saying that I have been selected. For the first few seconds, I was in a state of shock. After that, I went and told my father. Initially, I thought this was more of a speculation type of news; but then when I got the call from BCCI, I was over the moon."

The 19-year old also thanked India's A coach Rahul Dravid who coached Under-19 team last year World Cup for the evolution in his game. "I am deeply influenced by Rahul Sir. He has been with me for the last two years - at the U-19 level and then during India 'A' tours. He understands my batting really well. He ensured my batting evolved and got better."

India's Tour of New Zealand will start from January 23 to 10 February where 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is will be played. The tour will start from one-day internationals.

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