Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has praised Indian batter Shubman Gill, calling him “ridiculously talented” and fully capable of excelling across all formats of cricket. Watson’s comments come as Gill continues to cement his position as one of India’s most promising young players, having recently assumed leadership roles in white-ball cricket while remaining a key figure in the Test setup.
Watson, who has faced and played alongside some of the world’s finest cricketers, said that Gill possesses the rare combination of skill, adaptability, and composure that defines a genuine all-format player. “He’s got an amazing technique. When someone is as highly skilled as he is, it doesn’t take them long to adjust between formats,” Watson said. He acknowledged that the modern game demands versatility, but stressed that Gill’s natural ability gives him a head start in mastering each style.
Watson emphasized that shifting between Tests, ODIs, and T20s isn’t just about shot selection—it’s a mental challenge. According to him, Gill’s temperament and tactical awareness make that transition smoother than for most players. “It’s always a challenge to switch formats, but the more you do it, the better you get at understanding those little adjustments you need to make,” Watson explained, adding that Gill’s calm demeanor and sharp cricketing brain allow him to thrive under pressure.
The praise comes amid a crucial phase for Gill, who is evolving from a rising star into a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup. At 26, he has already demonstrated remarkable consistency in limited-overs cricket and shown flashes of brilliance in Tests. Watson believes those glimpses are just the beginning. “He’s got the technique to succeed anywhere in the world. It’s only a matter of time before he becomes one of the best across formats,” he said.
Gill’s rise has been rapid. From a standout at the Under-19 World Cup to an IPL mainstay and now India’s next-generation leader, his development has been methodical rather than rushed. Watson, himself a successful multi-format player, sees parallels between Gill’s career trajectory and that of players like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson — athletes who have built longevity through discipline, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
India’s selectors have also shown faith in Gill’s leadership and temperament, recently appointing him as captain for select assignments. That responsibility, Watson noted, could further refine Gill’s cricketing maturity. “Leadership helps sharpen decision-making and deepens understanding of the game. For someone like Gill, that will only accelerate his growth,” he said.
As India prepares for a packed international calendar, Gill’s ability to anchor innings, pace chases, and handle quality attacks will be critical. Watson’s endorsement underscores the global recognition Gill now commands — not just as a stylish stroke-maker but as a player with the potential to define an era.
In Watson’s words, Gill’s talent isn’t just rare — it’s “ridiculously” rare. And as he continues to evolve, the cricketing world will be watching to see if that immense potential transforms into lasting dominance across formats.
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