India's cricket stalwart, Virat Kohli, has expressed unwavering faith in the young opener, Shubman Gill, ahead of the highly-anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia, which kicks off on Wednesday.
Gill has rapidly risen to prominence in all three formats of the game over the past year, showcasing exceptional performances. Notably, the 23-year-old achieved a record-breaking ODI double-century against New Zealand earlier this year.
Additionally, Gill delivered an impressive campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL), scoring three centuries and accumulating a total of 890 runs.
Kohli praised the young opener for his remarkable talent and temperament, commending his ability to excel at the highest level despite his age.
"He (Gill) frequently engages with me about the game, displaying a strong desire to learn. At his age, he possesses an amazing skill set and a temperament that allows him to perform at the highest level," Kohli shared with the ICC.
"He has an incredible ability and the confidence to thrive in challenging situations. We share a relationship built on respect and understanding," he added.
Despite having two centuries in his name from 15 Test matches, Shubman Gill is still in the process of fully showcasing his skills with the red ball.
"I am eager to help him grow, comprehend his potential, and reach his full potential so that he can have a long and consistent career, benefiting Indian cricket," Kohli stated.
"While titles like 'king' and 'prince' are enjoyable for the public and spectators, I believe it is the responsibility of senior players to aid the development of young talents and share the wisdom gained throughout their careers."
"As long as a player like him remains eager to learn, he will be fine. He aspires to perform at the highest level consistently and establish himself in the long run," Kohli remarked.
"He is a wonderful individual and is displaying outstanding performances. I hope he maintains the same level of play in this Test match," the former skipper concluded.