New Zealand vs India: 3 reasons why Shubman Gill will make his debut in the ODI series

Will India's latest prodigy make it into the playing XI for the remainder of the series against the Kiwis? There is a rumor in the air that Shubman Gill might make his debut in the 4th ODI against New Zeland.

Gill is one of the upcoming sensations in Indian cricket who has the potential to make a name for himself in the world. All the attention in the recent past has been focused on Prithvi Shaw, who has dominated in senior cricket ever since his debut. But similar is the caliber of this 19-year-old sensation, as he has impressed one and all with his consistent performances.

Gill is a middle-order batsman who first made his mark in the 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup with 418 runs at an average of 104.50. He served as Shaw's most dependable weapon who batted at No. 3 and played a crucial role in cementing India's record fourth U-19 World Cup title.

Gill was named the Player of the Tournament in that very edition. He was a favorite in the 2018 IPL auctions and was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 1.8 crore. Here is why Indian cricket's newest teen prodigy can be handed a debut in the ongoing tour of New Zealand.

---

#1 Virat Kohli rested for the final 2 ODIs

New Zealand v India - ODI Game 3

Virat Kohli has been rested for the final two ODIs of the series against the Kiwis, which the visitors have already won as they have an unassailable lead of 3-0 in the 5 match series.

The absence of Kohli from the remainder of the series is not at all a worry for team India as they have a solid batting unit. His absence may create room for the inclusion of Gill who has played at the same spot for the Indian Under-9 squad and has shown great potential in the domestic circuit.

Since India has already sealed the series, they may rest their senior men which may result in an opportunity for the young gun.

#2 A backup middle order batsman for the 2019 ICC World Cup

Gill could be a possible back up for India's middle order.

The Indian team seems to have found a solution to its middle order problems in the recent series against Australia as all middle-order batsmen contributed to a series victory. MS Dhoni's recent form is something that has relieved all the Indian fans and the presence of Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayadu, and Hardik Pandya, has boosted the middle order even further.

With the World Cup on its way and only a few ODIs left, the Indian team would love to have a backup option in case of injuries and other issues. India would want to try all its options before the World Cup so that they not only have a settled playing XI but at the same time have players on the bench who can make an instant impact.

Gill seems to be the best possible option as the wunderkind has a lot of potentials and is ready to hit the international circuit with a bang.

#3 Virat Kohli's recent statement on Gill's talent

England Lions v India A - Tri-Series International

To praise the talent, the 19-year-old boy from Punjab possesses, Kohli himself said:

I saw him bat in the nets and I was like wow I was not even ten percent of that when I was 19.

Gill is known for his flawless timing and his ability to handle pressure at crunch times. The glimpse of which was visible in the IPL 2018 as well as in the last U-19 World Cup. He is considered to be a mirror image of Kohli while he bats.

Gill is highly rated by his captain as well as the management and Kohli's recent statement has made it pretty clear. With Kohli rested and a need for a middle-order order batsman, it will not be shocking at all if the debut cap is handed to the 19-year-old sensation in this very series.

---

Shubman Gill's debut will not only help him as he takes a big step up as a cricketer but will also benefit the Indian national team as it prepares for the ICC 2019 World Cup that will be held in England and Wales later this year.