Shubman Gill continues to strengthen his reputation as one of India's finest modern-day ODI batters. The Indian captain produced another impressive performance against the West Indies, scoring a brilliant 110 in the first ODI.
Gill's century played a crucial role in India's comfortable victory. He also shared a 151-run partnership with Virat Kohli from 132 balls, underlining his ability to perform alongside one of India's greatest ODI batters.
Despite Gill's remarkable numbers, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the young star is actually unlucky.
Why does Ashwin consider Gill unlucky?
According to Ashwin, Gill's biggest disadvantage is not his form or ability, but the changing landscape of ODI cricket.
The number of ODI matches being played has declined significantly compared with previous eras. With fewer opportunities available, even an exceptional batter like Gill may find it difficult to accumulate the enormous number of runs and centuries that players such as Virat Kohli have managed over their careers.
Ashwin has also praised Gill's shot selection and batting technique. In his view, Gill is among the few current batters who appear capable of reaching a level close to Kohli's in ODI cricket.
Gill reaches 10 ODI centuries at record speed
Gill has already established himself among the fastest century-makers in ODI history.
The Indian opener reached 10 ODI centuries in just 67 innings, making him the fastest Indian batter to achieve the milestone. Globally, only Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock reached 10 ODI hundreds in fewer innings.
Amla achieved the feat in 57 innings, while de Kock took 55 innings.
Gill's extraordinary ODI numbers
Gill's record in the format is particularly impressive considering his relatively short career.
He has played 68 ODIs and accumulated 3,489 runs at an outstanding average of 60.16. His tally includes 10 centuries and 20 fifties, while his strike rate is around 101.
These numbers highlight just how effective Gill has been in the 50-over format.
Can Gill challenge Kohli's ODI legacy?
Gill's numbers suggest that he has the ability to build an extraordinary ODI career. However, the biggest question is whether he will get enough matches to seriously challenge the records established by Kohli and other modern greats.
With ODI cricket receiving less attention in the international calendar, Gill's opportunities could become increasingly limited.
That is why Ashwin's observation is particularly interesting: Gill may have the talent, consistency and technique to enter the same conversation as Kohli, but the changing nature of international cricket could prevent him from getting enough opportunities to rewrite the record books.
