It is truly said that “records are meant to be broken.” However, some records seem unbreakable, such as Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries, Muttiah Muralitharan’s 800 Test wickets, Brian Lara’s highest Test score of 400, Rohit Sharma’s highest ODI score of 264, Suni Narine’s maiden in a super over and Mohammed Shami’s 24 wickets in seven matches. in a World Cup.
Brian Lara, however, believes his record for highest test score of 400 can be broken. In an era where totals of more than 400 team innings in a Test innings have started to become rare due to the introduction of fast-paced action in Test cricket, Lara not only said that his world record of individual score can be broken, but also named the batsman who has achieved it. the best opportunity to break it.
The Caribbean legend said that the talented young Indian Shubman Gill can score more than 400 runs in a Test innings. Brian Lara had become the first and to date only cricketer to reach 400 runs in a Test match. A feat he achieved against England in 2004. He also holds the record for highest individual score in first-class cricket, as the left-hander scored an unbeaten 501 in a Warwickshire County Championship match against Durham in 1994.
Brian Lara believes that Shubman Gill will surpass his two impressive feats
Brian Lara said Gill could surpass both of his towering feats. “Shubman Gill can break both my records,” Lara told Anandabazar Patrika. The former West Indies captain mentioned Gill as the most talented batsman currently in World Cricket. “Gill is the most talented hitter of this new generation. He will rule cricket for years to come. “I think he will break many important records,” he added.
Shubman Gill, the youngest Indian to score an ODI double hundred in all formats of the game, has not had an auspicious start to his Test career. He has managed only 966 runs in 18 matches at an average of 32 with just one century to his name. However, he just turned 24 and the best of him is yet to come.
Shubman Gill has had a phenomenal start to his ODI career. He recently rose through the ranks to become the number one ODI batsman and is the fastest to score 2000 runs in 50-over cricket in just 38 innings. The 24-year-old has already smashed six centuries and has a blistering average of 61.37 in the format. However, he could not set the stage on fire in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, but Lara believes that Gill will win many ICC tournaments for India in the coming years.
“Gill didn’t score a century (in the World Cup), but look at the knocks he has already played. He has centuries in all formats, has crossed double hundreds in ODIs and has also won many matches in the IPL. I am sure he will participate in many ICC tournaments in the future,” he added.
‘Have you seen how Gill charges fast bowlers?’: Lara
When asked about the aspect of Gill’s batting that caught Lara’s attention the most, the West Indies legend mentioned Shubman Gill’s batting style. “The way he bats is magnificent. I have immense faith in him. Have you seen how he runs around the court to knock down the closers? Incredible,” said Lara.
“If Gill plays county cricket then he can break my 501*. In Test cricket, he can surely surpass 400. Cricket has changed a lot, especially batting. The batsmen play 20 leagues around the world. The IPL has changed everything. The scoring rate has increased. Then you will continue to see great scores. Shubman will score big, mark my words,” Lara added.
Shubman Gill started his Test career as an opener but now finds himself playing at number 3 as the team management wants to look beyond Cheteshwar Pujara. Gill will face a tough challenge playing at number 3 against South Africa as Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal are most likely to open the innings in South Africa.