England legend Alastair Cook predicts India’s next big star after Virat Kohli

The thrilling second Test between India and England concluded on Monday, leaving cricket fans on the edge of their seats. Hosted at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, the match ended with India securing a nail-biting victory, triumphing over England by 106 runs.

Alastair Cook’s endorsement

In the aftermath of the intense battle on the field, former England captain and cricketing legend Alastair Cook took center stage with his insightful commentary. Cook, renowned for his astute observations, didn’t shy away from making a bold prediction about the future of Indian cricket.

The next superstar

Cook’s attention was drawn to a young Indian batsman who showcased exceptional talent during the Vizag Test – none other than Shubman Gill. The top-order batsman, long hailed for his promise, finally broke through with a remarkable century against England on Day 3 of the Test match.

The young batter’s stellar performance

Gill’s century, a sublime display of skill and determination, marked a significant milestone in his career. It was his third Test ton, a testament to his growing maturity and prowess on the international stage. As he reached the coveted milestone with a single off debutant spinner Shoaib Bashir, the crowd erupted in applause, acknowledging the young prodigy’s achievement.

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Cook’s prophetic words

Speaking on TNT Sports, Cook heaped praise on Gill’s performance, highlighting the immense talent and potential he possesses. In Cook’s eyes, Gill isn’t just a promising youngster but a future superstar in the making, capable of shouldering the burden left by the departure of cricketing greats like Virat Kohli.

“Gill played beautifully. He has serious talent… and there was probably quite a lot of pressure on his shoulders. At the World Cup [in India], all the billboards were of Kohli, but he’s the next one they want to step into his shoes,” said Cook on TNT Sports as quoted by India Today.

Pressure of expectations

Cook acknowledged the weight of expectations that come with being a young cricketer in a cricket-crazy nation like India. With Kohli’s towering presence looming large, Gill faces the daunting task of living up to the standards set by his predecessors. However, Cook expressed confidence in Gill’s ability to navigate the pressure and carve out his own legacy in the world of cricket.

“That’s a big thing to have the pressure of a country the size of India on your shoulders. As a young talent, that’s something that the likes of Tendulkar and Kohli have dealt with… and he now has to learn to deal with it,” he added.

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February 06, 2024 at 08:30AM