In the ever-evolving landscape of international cricket, identifying the next generation of superstars is crucial for teams looking to maintain their competitive edge. Recently, South African batting legend has highlighted India‘s new batting sensation as one of the most promising young talents in the sport, alongside Rishabh Pant and South Africa‘s Ryan Rickelton. This endorsement comes at a time when Gill is enjoying a remarkable run of form, cementing his position as the top-ranked ODI batter in the world.
Hashim Amla tips Indian batting sensation to be the next big thing
Hashim Amla, known for his elegant batting style and vast experience, has been effusive in his praise for Shubman Gill. Amla believes that Gill, along with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, forms a formidable top three for India, making them a potent force in ODI cricket.
“For India, you have got Shubham Gill; Rishabh Pant has been around for a while. For South Africa, we have Ryan Rickelton who has done really well off late. He is a brilliant player, the way he started in one-day cricket, he has been exceptional. He has been a huge part of India’s success at top of the order,” Amla said in a PTI video.
Amla’s endorsement is significant, as it reflects not just Gill’s current form but also his potential to be a long-term asset for India. The South African legend also pointed out that every five years, a few young players emerge as the next big thing in international cricket, and Gill is certainly one of them.
“Every country has about 2-3 cricketers who are going to come through and I think that’s pretty normal, that you see that every five years some youngster poke in the head through international cricket, and possibly be the next best, big thing,” he added.
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Exceptional journey of the Indian opener
Gill, born on September 8, 1999, has rapidly become a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup across all formats. His journey to international cricket began with a stellar performance in the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he was named the Player of the Tournament. Since then, Gill has consistently impressed with his technique and adaptability, making him a vital component of India’s ODI team.
Gill’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. He entered the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the world’s top-ranked ODI batter, having overtaken Pakistan‘s Babar Azam in the rankings. His century against Bangladesh in the tournament’s opener and a brisk 46 against Pakistan showcased his ability to perform under pressure. This form has been a continuation of his impressive run in the ODI series against England, where he scored 112 off 102 balls, further solidifying his position at the top of the rankings.
India’s potent batting lineup
The combination of Gill and Rohit at the top, followed by Kohli at number three, presents a formidable challenge for any bowling lineup. This trio has been instrumental in India’s success in recent years, providing a solid foundation that allows the middle order to build upon. Gill’s ability to score big runs consistently has been a key factor in this setup, making him an indispensable part of India’s batting strategy.
Champions Trophy 2025 prospects: India and South Africa
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 progresses, both India and South Africa are emerging as strong contenders for the title. India, having won their initial matches, have already secured a spot in the semi-finals. South Africa, meanwhile, top Group B and are well-positioned to advance further with another win. Amla believes that both teams have a great chance of winning the tournament.
“India have obviously a very good chance, they have a fantastic team over the (last) 15-odd years, South Africa have (a) great chance (too), they have fantastic batting and bowling and whole unit looks very well balanced,” Amla concluded, highlighting the depth and balance in both squads.