Shubman Gill

Picture Credit: Kolkata Knight Riders

Ahead of IPL 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders are getting geared up with some competitive intra-squad matches at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. While many youngsters like Venkatesh Iyer and Kamlesh Nagarkoti have impressed in the practice games, top-order batsman Shubman Gill too displayed his batting masterclass on Monday.

KKR opener in explosive form ahead of IPL 2021

After losing the first practice match, Team Shubman restricted Team Cutting at a modest total of 87 runs. Chasing the target, skipper Gill was at his absolute best as he played an outstanding unbeaten knock of 76 runs off only 35 deliveries, smashing the bowlers all over the park. The 21-year-old hit 11 fours and 3 sixes during his innings which was played at a phenomenal strike rate of 217.14.

Watch Shubman's fiery knock here:

Strike-rate is overrated: Shubman Gill

In IPL 2020, Shubman Gill was one of the top players for KKR. The right-handed batsman had scored 440 runs across 14 matches at an average of 33.84. However, he came under scrutiny for his slow starts at the top-order. Notably, The KKR opener had a below-par strike-rate of 117.96 in the tournament last year.

Reflecting on the same ahead of IPL 2021 in an interview with PTI, Gill said, "I think strike-rate is kind of overrated. It's all about how you adapt to a certain situation. If the team demands you to play with a strike rate of 200 you should be able to do it. If the team requires you to play at a strike rate of 100, you should be able to do it. It's just about adapting to the match situation."

In the practice match on Monday, Gill has definitely displayed his other side of the game. He has now shown the world that he is capable of doing what he had earlier stated. And if the early signs are to be believed, it could just be the season to remember for a confident-looking Gill as he aims to unleash his full potential in IPL 2021.