'To Become King, You Have To..,' - Aakash Chopra Takes Jibe At 'Prince' Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill managed just 28 runs in first Test at Centurion [X.com]
Despite finishing 2023 with 2,118 runs in 45 internationals with seven hundred and ten fifties, Shubman Gill's Test form has come under severe scrutiny.
In the recently concluded Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion, Gill managed just 28 runs across both innings as India lost by an innings and 32 runs.
Gill, who is called 'Prince' by his fans and a potential candidate for Virat Kohli's throne has struggled poorly in Tests in SENA countries - South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia - managing merely 375 runs at an average of 25.43 as opposed to his career average of 39.25.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has expressed his concerns over Gill's overseas red-ball form, which is a crucial factor for any batter becoming successful.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former KKR player took a potshot at Gill, stating how the newly appointed Gujarat Titans skipper needs to score runs outside Asia to be called 'King'.
Here's what Chopra said
"I am talking about Shubman Gill here because he is referred to as the Prince of Indian cricket. For the Prince to become King, he has to walk the tight rope and improve his numbers in SENA countries. There is a lot of difference in his numbers in Asia and in SENA countries. Of course, a very young career but you have to conquer SENA countries to become the King."
The 24-year-old in 19 Tests has managed to score 994 runs, with two centuries and four half-centuries, which is well below his standards.
Gill will look to start 2024 with runs under his belt, when India locks horns with South Africa in the second and final Test in Cape Town starting January 3.
 "Vishal Mehra")
