Shubman wants to play under Virat, says father
“Shubi kept his promise. Before leaving for New Zealand, he had promised to deliver the goods for India and get the World Cup home. His hard work of last two years has paid off,” said Lakhwinder Singh Gill, father of Indian U-19 star Shubman Gill.
Vice-captain Shubman made 31 runs in the final and was bowled by the Chandigarh-born off-spinner Param Uppal. Gill was adjudged Man of the Series.
Eighteen-year-old Shubman, who was bought by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders for ~1.8 crore last week, emerged as the highest run-getter with 372 runs (three half centuries and one century) for India in the event. He had played a match-winning knock of 102 in the semi-final against Pakistan.
“The final was a pressure game. The boys kept their cool and played well on a difficult pitch. I am elated that my son, who lives for the sport, was able to do well. All credit goes to coach Dravid,” said Lakhwinder.
The Gill family shut itself off from media and guests till the match was over. Residents of their housing society put up a screen in the compound to watch the game together.
“I hope and pray that Shubman remains focused like this and after making his dream true, he works harder in order to make it to the India team. He wants to play under his idol Virat Kohli. After he returns home we are going to celebrate for a brief period before he goes to Bangalore for the Vijay Hazare Trophy to play for Punjab,” said 46-yearold Lakhwinder.
“We were nervous unlike Shubi. He had a good night’s sleep on the eve of the final. The Almighty has answered our prayers. Our village is in the news now because of Shubi,” said his mother, Keerat Gill.
CHANDIGARH: