Shubman Gill wants to be next Virat Kohli: Former India star makes massive statement ahead of World Cup 2023

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Shubman Gill has already been given the 'Prince' tag by the cricket fraternity and many consider him as the next big thing in Indian cricket and heir apparent of Virat Kohli.

Hundreds across all formats at the young age of 24 and an ODI average of 64.40 after 1739 runs in 33 matches is proof of his tremendous talent. The right-hand opener is currently gearing up for the 3-match ODI series which starts from Friday, September 22.

Gill would be aiming to have a few good outings before entering the World Cup 2023 which begins from October 5. Ahead of the mega event, former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Suresh Raina has made a massive statement on Shubman Gill.

Suresh Raina has said that Shubman Gill wants to become the next Virat Kohli and is going to play a key role for India in the World Cup 2023. Raina has predicted that media, fans and the former cricketers would be talking more about Shubman Gill after the Cricket World Cup 2023.

"He'll be one of the most important players at the World Cup. I know that he wants to be a superstar and wants to be the next Virat Kohli and is in that aura already and after this World Cup, we will be talking about him more often," said Raina on JioCinema.

"The form he's playing in with his hand speed - it's extremely strong. Spinners don't know where to bowl to him and if fast bowlers don't swing the ball, he can play those really well with a straight or a flick. His mindset will not stop here. What Rohit Sharma did in the 2019 World Cup; Gill could do the same for India this year. He'll get 50 overs to bat, so it's a takeoff point for his batting. I think he's a born leader and he shows that in his game," he added.

The Punjab batter came under scrutiny and a lot of criticism after he underperformed against West Indies, especially in the two-match Test series and five T20Is. But he shunned the critics with a good show in Asia Cup 2023 where he ripped apart Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi with a counter-attacking innings and then scored a hundred against Bangladesh.

"He's been consistent for a year and a half. He struggled in the middle against West Indies, but the way he's come back and scored good runs in the Asia Cup. He is looking positive, using good footwork, and from getting out at 40 against the West Indies, he is now comfortably hitting 50s and even 100s," Raina said.