After Prithvi Shaw's phenomenal India debut, Shubman Gill says he is ready for senior team role

New Delhi: India Under-19 World Cup winner Shubman Gill has declared that he is ready to play for the national side under Virat Kohli and follow in the footsteps of his friend Prithvi Shaw.

"I am ready. I did not get the opportunity against the West Indies but I might get one in the next series. I am just happy scoring runs," Gill told PTI after taking India C to Deodhar Trophy final on Thursday.

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The 19-year-old Gill hit an unbeaten 116 off 111 to help India C chase down 294 against India A at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium. Gill was a part of the U-19 World Cup winning squad this year under Prithvi's captaincy.

The Punjab right-hander, who celebrated his 19th birthday last month, said he wants to replicate the U-19 success at the higher level.

"Yes, they all recognise you for your U-19 days but we have to keep performing the same way at the higher levels to get a chance," Gill, who was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in this year's IPL, said.

On dealing with expectations, he said, "All these things (expectations) are there in your mind before you get into the middle. It is all about scoring runs when you get on the field. I don't think what will happen when I get out."

Gill paced his innings well and in the presence of three national selectors, grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Does he talk to anyone on building the innings or does it come naturally to him? Yes, he does.

"I don't talk to anyone on pacing the innings. Only my father, who is also my coach, advises me. Plus, we see lot of international cricket on television these days. I try to understand that and try to do the same in the middle," he revealed.

"It is also about belief. That belief comes from practice and when you replicate that in a match, you get more confident about your game," he added.

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