‘Huge fan of…’: Pathan's massive statement on IND star after New Zealand series | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

'As much potential as Virat Kohli': Irfan Pathan's massive statement on India star after New Zealand series

By, New Delhi
Feb 02, 2023 06:27 PM IST

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was all praise for the Team India star as Hardik Pandya and Co. crushed New Zealand in the 3rd T20I to seal the series 2-1 on Wednesday.

Shubman Gill-inspired Team India crushed New Zealand in the third and final T20I of the bilateral series on Wednesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Hardik Pandya-led Team India sealed a massive 168-run win in the 3rd T20I to seal the series 2-1 at the world's largest cricket stadium. With Team India recording a famous double over New Zealand, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was all praise for opener Gill, who returned back to scoring ways in T20Is with a scintillating century at Ahmedabad.

 Irfan Pathan was all praise for the Team India star(AP-PTI)
Irfan Pathan was all praise for the Team India star(AP-PTI)

At 23 years and 146 days, opener Gill became the youngest Indian batter to score a century in the shortest format. Gill has upstaged Suresh Raina (23 years and 156 days) to achieve the special feat. Showering praise on Gill, former all-rounder Pathan backed the India opener to become an all-format player. Pathan feels that Gill has the potential to dominate all-three formats like batting icon Virat Kohli.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"The way he is batting, I am a huge fan of his. I am repeatedly saying that he can become an all-format player for you. Virat Kohli ruled all formats for many years, this batter has as much potential. To convert that into performance is a different thing," Pathan told Star Sports.

ALSO READ: Watch: Suryakumar Yadav awestruck upon watching his own replay on the big screen, expressions are magical

Pathan's remarks have come after Gill smashed a match-winning century in the 3rd T20I against New Zealand. Indian opener Gill played a sublime knock of 126 off 63 balls. Centurion Gill remained unbeaten as India posted a gigantic total of 234-4 in the 20-over contest. Gill became the fifth Indian batter to score a century in all three formats of the game. India bowled out New Zealand for 66 as the hosts won the match by 168 runs. Opener Gill was named the Player of the Match for his batting masterclass.

"That happens with time but Shubman Gill has started to do that. He scored his first century in August. Gill has now scored a total of six centuries in international cricket and we have just started February, where all other players have scored just four international centuries," Pathan added.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RCB vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews,reviews, technical analysis based on statistics, the latest social media trends, expert opinions on cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey,motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics and much more.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On