Manjrekar Hails Shubman Gill as the Most Complete ODI Batsman

Published on: February 21, 2025

Manjrekar Hails Shubman Gill as the Most Complete ODI Batsman

Shubman Gill: The Complete ODI Player – Manjrekar’s Praise and Analysis

Shubman Gill has been in sublime form, and his latest century in India’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh further solidified his reputation as one of the most complete ODI players. Cricket experts, including Sanjay Manjrekar and Anil Kumble, have heaped praise on the young batter, highlighting his ability to control a chase, adapt to conditions, and display remarkable temperament under pressure.

Gill vs. Iyer: A Crucial Difference

Sanjay Manjrekar made a striking comparison between Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, pointing out a fundamental difference between the two batters. According to him, while both are talented, Gill has the ability to stay till the end and finish games, a quality that sets him apart.

“The difference between Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill is that Gill will take you right till the end,” Manjrekar said during an analysis on ESPNcricinfo Match Day.

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Manjrekar believes that Gill’s consistency, patience, and ability to pace his innings make him a long-term prospect for India. He even went on to say that Gill appears to be a “lambi race ka ghoda” (one for the long haul), someone who could serve Indian cricket for the next 10–15 years.

A Century at 60% Effort? Gill’s Effortless Mastery

Gill’s century against Bangladesh was not just another hundred; it was an exhibition of effortless batting. Manjrekar suggested that Gill seemed to be operating at only 60% of his full capacity and still managed to reach a hundred comfortably.

“It was like 60% of Shubman Gill is enough to get a hundred like this and he stays till the end.”

This statement underscores just how dominant Gill can be without having to play at full throttle. His calm demeanor, controlled aggression, and classical shot-making allow him to score runs efficiently while keeping plenty in reserve.

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Gill’s Match-Winning Knock Against Bangladesh

Steady Start with Rohit Sharma

Batting alongside Rohit Sharma, Gill got off to a brisk start. He reached 26 off just 23 balls by the end of the first powerplay, finding the boundary four times and clearing it once. His initial aggression set the tone for India’s chase, ensuring that Bangladesh never had the upper hand in the game.

Slowing Down Against Spin

After the powerplay, Bangladesh introduced their spinners on a slow track, forcing Gill to shift gears. His scoring rate dropped, and he took 69 balls to reach his fifty—his slowest ODI half-century. However, this phase of his innings highlighted his maturity and adaptability.

“When Bangladesh employed spin, he adjusted his approach instead of taking unnecessary risks. He understood the conditions and kept the scoreboard ticking.”

Finishing the Chase with Authority

Despite India’s minor hiccup, slipping from 112 for 1 to 144 for 4, Gill remained composed and saw the chase through. His unbeaten 101 off 129 balls, laced with nine fours and two sixes, guided India to victory with six wickets and 21 balls to spare.

His ability to stay till the end, even in tricky situations, proved why he is India’s most reliable young batter.

Gill’s Power and Shot Selection

Gill’s shot selection is one of the most impressive aspects of his game. Manjrekar particularly highlighted a six he hit off Tanzim Hasan in the ninth over—a front-foot pull that sailed into the second tier of the stands at deep midwicket.

“Some of the shots he played… the good-length ball he hit and it went into the second tier… the big game is at his beck and call.”

This showcases Gill’s ability to play attacking shots even off difficult deliveries, making him a bowler’s nightmare.

Why Gill is the Complete ODI Player

Manjrekar and Kumble both believe that Gill is currently at the peak of his ODI prowess. His ability to adapt to different situations, change gears when needed, and stay at the crease till the end makes him the ideal modern ODI batter.

“Can he be better in 50-over cricket as a batter? I don’t think so. What can be better than this?” – Manjrekar

Multiple Gears in His Batting

One of Gill’s greatest strengths is his ability to shift gears based on the situation. Manjrekar pointed out that India’s top three—Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Gill—are all Test batters, meaning they have the technique to survive challenging conditions while also excelling in white-ball cricket.

“Shubman Gill is not one-dimensional, he has all the gears, and we saw him do that today as well.”

Whether it’s attacking from the outset or playing a more watchful innings, Gill can do it all with remarkable ease.

Ability to Handle Swing and Spin

Gill’s proficiency against both pace and spin further strengthens his case as a complete ODI player.

Against Fast Bowling

• He can see off the new ball when it swings and then accelerate.
• His back-foot play is solid, allowing him to handle bounce well.

Against Spin

• Unlike some batters who rely heavily on sweeps or dabs, Gill keeps it traditional, using straight-bat shots to rotate strike.
• He effortlessly picks singles, maintaining a healthy strike rate without taking undue risks.

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Kumble on Gill’s Tactical Maturity

Former India captain and legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble was also impressed by Gill’s ability to play according to the conditions.

“Generally, when he sees the offspinner, he steps out and launches it over long-on, midwicket. But today, he avoided that risk, showing he understands pitch conditions perfectly.”

Kumble pointed out that despite his ability to dominate spinners, Gill showed restraint, recognizing that the slow pitch made lofted shots riskier. Instead, he relied on rotating strike, collecting 28 singles against Bangladesh’s spinners.

Manjrekar on Gill’s Batting Technique

Another aspect that Manjrekar praised was Gill’s technical correctness.
• Straight-Bat Play: Even when playing the pull shot, his bat comes down straight, ensuring control.
• Shot Selection: He doesn’t force the issue but finds singles effortlessly, making him difficult to contain.
• Calm and Composed Approach: He doesn’t panic, even when the required run rate slightly climbs, backing his ability to finish games.

“A guy who can get singles at will, can hit a six at will, has got a reasonably good defence for 50-over cricket – he’s the complete player at the moment.”

Gill’s Growing Maturity and Future Prospects

One of the biggest takeaways from Gill’s century was his ability to see the game through, something he has worked on over time. Kumble noted that earlier in his career, Gill might have thrown his wicket away after reaching a milestone, but now he understands the importance of staying till the end.

“The best part about Shubman Gill was he ensured he saw the game through.”

Gill’s hundred in the first match of a major tournament sets a promising tone for the rest of the competition. If he continues this form, he could be one of India’s most crucial players in their quest for the Champions Trophy.

Conclusion: The Future of India’s Batting

With his blend of classical technique, power-hitting ability, and tactical awareness, Shubman Gill has established himself as one of India’s finest ODI batters. His ability to control a chase, play spin and pace with equal authority, and maintain composure under pressure makes him a rare talent.

If Gill continues at this level, there is little doubt that he will dominate world cricket for the next decade or more. As Manjrekar put it, “Shubman Gill is the complete player at the moment.”