'Shubman Gill can be India's future No.4', says coach Dav Whatmore

Mumbai: Former Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore on Tuesday stated that youngster Shubhman Gill can solve Team India's No. 4 issue that has been haunting the team's middle-order batting for a while now.

India was knocked out of the ICC World Cup 2019 after suffering defeat against New Zealand in the semi-final of the tournament. Team India's middle-order failed to steer India to the victory after the failure of the top-order batsmen.

Speaking on India's performance and on the No.4 spot, Whatmore expressed that India failed to solve their middle-order woes.

“The No. 4 issue kept raising its head. India should look at the future. Shubman Gill is a fantastic young batsman and he could well fill that slot. He’s got the technique," said Whatmore.

Gill, who was the star performer for India in the U-19 World Cup, amassed 372 runs in the tournament at an average of 124. He also had an impressive stint in Indian Premier League while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, scoring 296 runs in 13 matches. Gill made his international debut earlier this year in the ODI series against New Zealand. He is currently plying his trade for India A team on the tour of West Indies.

“India had a good tournament. It topped the group after nine matches, made runs, had a very good bowling attack, both pace and spin. But India ran into New Zealand in the semifinal, and the Kiwis made full use of helpful conditions.

"It’s just one defeat in a World Cup semifinal that can happen to any team. New Zealand did too much damage in the first 10 overs. India has got some powerful stroke makers and a potent attack. It should do very well in the coming days,” added Whatmore.

Whatmore further defended the Indian team management's decisions and said that injuries to key players hampered India's chances of lifting the prestigious trophy.

“The team-management made decisions which were in the best interests of the team. India was unlucky with injuries, lost some key players.

"Then you have Vijay Shankar who is a fine batsman and a useful medium pacer. Unfortunately, he got injured during the World Cup. As a coach I am always worried about cricketers picking up injuries during net sessions,” he said.