Salman Butt praises Indian opener's elegant style

Former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt praised Indian opener Shubman Gill for his elegant and sophisticated style of play in the opening match of the ODI series against New Zealand.

Butt, who has been a fan of Gill since the 2021 World Test Championship final, said that Gill's focus on timing the ball rather than hitting it hard reminds him of tennis legend Roger Federer's finesse-based approach. 

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"This is a different kind of cricket that Gill is playing. It is almost like Roger Federer, who plays his shots with incredible quality and touch. The finesse that Shubman Gill has shown in his game is very rare in young players. He is one of his kind, and there is a glimpse of greatness."

He also admired the way Gill built his innings during the first ODI against New Zealand on January 18, despite India losing wickets at the other end, showing that his game has already advanced to a high level.

"I have been a fan of Gill ever since he played in that World Test Championship final against New Zealand in England due to his time and the elegance and finished in his strokes. You won't see many touch players like him in international cricket. There is talk of only power hitters everywhere these days," said Salman Butt.

Reminder for all is that Shubman Gill became the fifth Indian and the youngster ever to smash an ODI double hundred on Wednesday, January 18, in the first ODI against New Zealand in Hyderabad.