Irfan Pathan and Shubman Gill (Source: Irfan Pathan/X and Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Shubman Gill continued his merry way in the ongoing five-match series against England. After a scintillating 147 in the first innings of the Headingley Test, the Indian batter returned for the second Test and smashed a breathtaking double century that broke several records. Impressed by his 269 off 387 balls, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan was reminded of his old social media post for the batter from 2019, when Gill had just begun playing for India.
The former all-rounder had applauded the youngster after his match-winning 65 off 49 balls in the 2019 season of the Indian Premier League, which came while representing Kolkata Knight Riders against Punjab Kings. With this knock, Gill established his stature as a player who can bat maturely to chase down a tricky target for the side, which is essential in changing dynamics of cricket, which Irfan liked a lot.
"Sirf abhi hi nahi aage or bhi jyada ye naam baar baar sun ne milega (Not just now, we will get to hear this name even more in the future as well)" Irfan Pathan had posted on X (then known as Twitter) in 2019 for Gill who was just 19 years old at that point of time.
Check Irfan Pathan's old post on Shubman Gill hereSpeaking more about Gill's knock in the ongoing second Test, it was studded with 30 boundaries and three towering sixes as well. During this knock, the Fazilka-born was also involved in a huge 203-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja for the sixth wicket, as the duo took India from 211-5 to 414-6 as Jadeja finally departed. Gill then also built a steady and an important 144-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who too contributed with 42 runs.
Post Gill's dismissal off Josh Tongue's short delivery, India were bundled out for 587. As the Englishmen came out for their turn during the second session of Day 2, Gill used his bowlers brilliantly to draw three breakthroughs in the form of openers Ben Duckett (0 off 5) and Zak Crawley (19), while Ollie Pope also departed for a golden duck. England currently trail by 510 runs after Stumps were called on Day 2.
