Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar and former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu have heaped praise on Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, acknowledging their growing influence in Indian cricket. While Bangar sees Gill as the future torchbearer of the national team, Sidhu lauded both batters for their ability to control the game under pressure.
Sanjay Bangar on Shubman Gill: “He’s Got Strong Foundations”
Bangar believes that Shubman Gill has not only stepped out of the shadows of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but has also proven himself as a match-winner with remarkable consistency.
“What Navjot Singh Sidhu said is absolutely right—Shubman has tremendous skills and a strong foundation. His confidence has grown over the last two and a half years, and his performances in one-day cricket have been phenomenal. The way he times the ball, especially his straight and on-drives, is outstanding. Even when mid-off and mid-on fielders are inside the 30-yard circle, he’s still able to hit the ball past them with sheer timing. Clearly, he is the player who will shoulder the responsibility of the Indian team in the years to come.”
Navjot Singh Sidhu: “Gill Has Emerged from the Banyan Tree’s Shadows”
Sidhu described Gill’s emergence as a top-order batter as a defining moment for Indian cricket, comparing him to a player who has stepped out of the towering presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
“Nothing grows under a banyan tree, and in Indian cricket, that banyan tree is Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. But Shubman Gill has broken through and come of age. The way he played those two straight drives and blistering cover drives—it was like a blitzkrieg, leaving the opposition in awe. He has not failed in the last six or seven innings, and every time he shoulders responsibility, he grows as a player. His technical soundness makes the game look easy, and even when he edges the ball, it still finds the boundary.”
Sidhu also highlighted Gill’s ability to finish games, stating that true greatness is measured by how a player finishes innings rather than just how they start.
“You judge ability by what a man finishes, not what he attempts. Shubman’s ability to convert starts into big scores and take his team home is what makes him special.”
Sanjay Bangar on Shreyas Iyer: “He Has Adapted Brilliantly”
Bangar also spoke highly of Shreyas Iyer, crediting his resilience and adaptability, particularly in overcoming injury setbacks and cementing his place as India’s No. 4.
“He is somebody who is very hardworking and has overcome a lot of challenges. Missing out on Test cricket due to injuries made him value his place in the team even more. His performances in the World Cup proved beyond doubt that he is India’s number four.”
Bangar also noted Iyer’s improved technique against the short ball, a weakness that had been exploited in the past.
“Earlier, he used to move away to the off-side to play the short ball. But now, he has a method—he knows when to be defensive and when to attack. A high percentage of his shots are now under control, which is a big improvement.”
Navjot Singh Sidhu: “Shreyas Iyer’s Speed Sets Him Apart”
Sidhu likened Iyer’s batting approach to skating on thin ice, where speed is the key to survival.
“The thing that separates Shreyas from the rest is his speed—he accelerates the innings like no other. Just look at how he paces his innings: 67 balls for 56 runs is not a slow 50 off 95 balls. When he comes to the crease, the scoreboard moves rapidly. He shifts gears seamlessly, from first to fourth or fifth, before coming back when needed.”
Shubman Gill emerging as India’s next batting mainstay and Shreyas Iyer solidifying his role at No. 4, Indian cricket appears to be in safe hands for the future. Their performances in recent matches have reinforced their importance in the team, and experts believe they will continue to be key players in India’s success across formats.
As India transitions to a new era, Gill and Iyer are proving that the future is bright, and their ability to handle pressure will be crucial for India’s dominance in world cricket.
