Shubman Gill: Yuvraj Singh motivated me to score a century

Gill has been outstanding for India (PC: Twitter)

India's star batter Shubman Gill continued his ace form with the bat as he finally managed to breach the three-figure mark in Blue with a sensational 130 off 97 deliveries in the third ODI against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club.   

The 22-year-old finished the Zimbabwe tour as the leading run-scorer with 245 runs from three matches at an average of 122.50 and a strike rate of 120.69. The right-handed batter also bagged the Player of the Series award for his stellar performance throughout the series.

Gill has looked in ominous touch in recent times and was adjudged Player of the Series on the West Indies tour as well. He missed his maiden century in the 3rd ODI and remained unbeaten on 98 after rain halted the play and India's innings was reduced to 36 overs.  

However, no such misfortune happened to him on Monday, as he achieved his maiden ODI century without a fuss and became just the third youngest amongst all Indians to score a hundred in 50-overs format away from home.

He motivated me to score a century: Gill on Yuvraj Singh

The Punjab lad, speaking to his fellow teammate Ishan Kishan after the culmination of the series revealed that he met former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh before the tour of Zimbabwe. 

The two-time World Cup winner asked the 22-year-old to bat deep after getting set in the middle. Gill also revealed how Singh motivated him to score a century.  

“It was a good wicket to bat on and I got your company fortunately and luck was in my favor and I had to make the most of the opportunity that I had,” Gill was quoted as saying.

“I met him before coming to Zimbabwe and he just told me that I am batting well and asked me to bat deep after getting set. He also motivated me to score a century, although I wasn’t getting one.” 

Notably, Singh has worked with Gill as a mentor for Punjab a couple of years ago and the duo share a good bond. 

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