‘Meri destiny mujhse koi nahin cheen sakta’:Shubman Gill breaks silence on T20 World Cup snub; defends ODI cricket’s importance amid debate

Jo bhi cheezein meri destiny mein likhi hui hain, vo mujhse koi nahi chhen sakta. (No one can take away what’s written in my destiny) This is what Shubman Gill said when he was asked about his T20 World Cup squad snub. Notably, this is the first time that the Indian ODI captain has broken his silence on his omission. Gill made these statements while addressing the press conference in Vadodara on Saturday ahead of the 11 January ODI clash between India and New Zealand. ‘I’m right where I have to be’: Shubman Gill stays confident despite WC snub While talking to the media on Saturday, when India’s ODI captain was asked about his T20 World Cup squad snub, he said, “I believe I’m right where I have to be. And I believe that Jo bhi cheezein meri destiny mein likhi hui hain, vo mujhse koi nahi chhen sakta. (No one can take away what’s written in my destiny).” “Obviously, as a player, there is a belief that you want to make your side win. But I respect the selectors’ decision, ” Gill further added on being axed from the T20 World Cup squad. Speaking further, Shubman Gill also addressed the debate over the difficulty of the one-day format, strengthened by former India player Sanjay Manjrekar’s ‘ODI cricket is easy’ remark. ‘ODI format is not easy’: Gill confirms his stance on the one-day cricket When asked about the one-day cricket’s relevance and importance, Shubman Gill said at the press conference, “Excelling in any format needs persistence and resilience. ODI format is not easy. India has not won the ODI World Cup 2011.” He further added on the playing style for the 50-50 over format of cricket, saying, “When you play ODIs, your skills are tested. You need to be able to shift through the gears.” Earlier, Sanjay Manjrekar had called the ODI format ‘easy’ while talking about Virat Kohli’s departure from the format. While speaking on his Instagram, he had said, “The format that really tests you is first, obviously, Test Cricket, and T20 cricket has its different challenges.” Later, he further added, “I believe it’s easy for top order batters, because everybody is queuing up to bat in the top three. The first advantage you get when you are opening in 50-overs cricket or batting at No. 3, there’s no four slips and a gully. And you know when a bowler is running in, he’s not really coming in to get you out.” However, Gill doubled down on the importance of Rohit and Kohli in the format, saying during the press conference, “Rohit and Kohli always help when the going gets tough.” He not only reiterated the importance of these star cricketers but also appreciated their performance under pressure.