Ricky Ponting, who has observed Gill closely over the past few IPL seasons, thinks Gill will play a significant role for India in the WTC final.

When Shubman Gill started the batting for India against New Zealand in the first World Test Championship final in June 2021, he was only 22 years old. After Kane Williamson had sent India into the game, he did put up a solid fight against a strong new-ball attack led by Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Kyle Jamieson. However, he was fired for 28 when it was crucial for him to continue and build on that start.

In his brief career, Gill has struggled to turn his starts into something significant, but during the past six months or so, he has made significant strides in that direction.

The fact that there have been hundreds in all three formats, including a world record double hundred in ODIs and three hundreds in IPL 2023 to go with the second-most runs (890) in a single tournament, is proof of this. It makes sense that when India has another chance to win the WTC, there would be even higher expectations for Gill. At The Oval in England beginning on June 7, they will compete against Australia in the championship game.

Gill will undoubtedly bat first in the WTC championship game alongside captain Rohit Sharma. The majority of India’s batting lineup from the summit match from the previous iteration will remain, but Gill will have a lot more on his plate to handle Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.

Ponting: “Gill’s front foot pull will be important against the Australian pacer.”

Ricky Ponting, a legendary Australian cricketer who has coached the Delhi Capitals for the past few IPL seasons and has had firsthand experience with Gill, thinks Gill will play a significant role in the WTC final.

Ponting told ICC, “He looks like a tremendous young person. “He also exudes a certain amount of attitude. He exudes a little swagger. He possesses a lot of class.

The two-time World Cup champion skipper claimed that Gill’s lethal short-arm pull stroke off the front foot can give the Australian quicks pause.

The former Australia captain stated, “That sort of front foot pull shot that he plays against the fast bowlers will be a shot that he’ll probably need against this Australian attack.”

On Thursday, the right-hander participated in his first practise with the Indian cricketers. Due to their involvement in the IPL 2023 championship game, he, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja arrived late to the team.

Gill will be trying to win his first significant trophy in Indian colours next week after his incredible season with the bat failed to lead the defending champion Gujarat Titans to a second straight championship.