After India defeated Sri Lanka, Ravi Shastri made a towering “Next Generation” remark
On Thursday at the Wankhede, there was an air of nostalgia. Something about the venue constantly brought back memories of that triumphant night of the 2011 World Cup final. It started with the statue of Sachin Tendulkar being unveiled at the stadium; the legend himself was present for the big occasion, and he also later witnessed India go up against the same team they had defeated at the very same venue 12 years ago, Sri Lanka. But the moment that stood out for Ravi Shastri, who was in the commentary box back then, was the amazing 189-run second-wicket stand between Virat Kohli and young Shubman Gill. The match-reviving partnership reminded the former India head coach of the iconic Kohli-Sachin moment from the 2011 World Cup.
On Thursday, Shastri, in conversation, said that he witnessed the exact same when Kohli weaved a 189-run stand alongside Gill, touted to be the former's true successor, as India revived from the early loss of Rohit Sharma to post a match-winning total of 357 for eight.
Shastri said, “Gill is Gen Next. Tendulkar, when he walked out of that 2011 World Cup, exchanged some words with Kohli, who walked in next, on what the pitch was behaving like. Then today we see Kohli and Gill batting together; that is Gen Next. After these guys leave, he is the king.”