WATCH: Throwback to when a 19-year-old Shubman Gill took MI bowlers to the cleaners in IPL 2019

Considered to be the next big thing in Indian cricket, Shubman Gill turned 25 on Sunday, September 8. He rose to fame after playing a crucial role in India's 2018 ICC U19 World Cup victory. The right-hander continued his impressive form in the Indian Premier League (IPL), opening his door to international cricket.

Gill was one of the favourites in the 2018 IPL auctions and was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 1.8 crore. The Punjab-born cricketer scored 203 runs in his debut season in which KKR finished third in the points table after losing Qualifier 2 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

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It was in the subsequent edition, Gill announced his arrival in the cash-rich league. He was named as one of eight players to watch by the International Cricket Council (ICC) ahead of IPL 2019. KKR's campaign ended in fifth place, but Gill did not fail to shine, scoring 296 runs to win the Emerging Player of the Tournament award.

One of his fearless batting performances of that particular season was in the 47th match against Mumbai Indians (MI). The then 19-year-old tore through a quality MI bowling line-up that consisted of Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Rahul Chahar. 

Shubman Gill's aggressive intent destroys MI Pacers' confidence

MI won the toss and invited KKR to bat first at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Captain Rohit Sharma, who is known for restricting the opponents to a low score, was treated to some audacious hitting by GIll and his opening partner Chris Lynn.

The duo demolished the MI bowlers by scoring 96 runs in 9.3 overs. Lynn departed after making 54 off 29 deliveries. However, Gill continued his onslaught at one end until the 16^th over. Although Andre Russell’s monstrous hitting (80* off 40) later took the limelight, Gill’s knock did not fail to garner much appreciation.

Watch the video below: 

https://www.iplt20.com/video/182256/shubman-gills-7645-batting-brilliance?tagNames=feature

Throwback to the time when a 19 year old shubman gill smashed MI bowlers for fun. pic.twitter.com/PmlrgUfO7f

— shreyansh (@shreyxnsh_) December 2, 2021

The young lad laid a strong foundation and went on to score 76 runs off 45 balls, a powerful knock that was packed with six fours and four sixes. The top-notch effort from KKR’s top-order helped them reach a massive score of 232/2 in 20 overs. In reply, MI were bowled out for 198/7, handing the home side a thrilling 34-run victory. 

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