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When former England cricketer David Lloyd draws a comparison, the cricketing world listens. And this time, he’s evoked the grace and artistry of Mohammad Azharuddin to describe India’s latest middle-order maestro. Lloyd praised the youngster’s elegant strokeplay and effortless demeanor at the crease, highlighting how his performances have brought back memories of Azhar’s trademark flair and calm.
David Lloyd names the Indian batter who reminds him of Mohammad Azharuddin
The player in question is none other than Shubman Gill, who has seamlessly taken up the number four role in the Indian Test side while also donning the captain’s armband. After scoring a memorable hundred at Headingley, Gill followed it up with another sublime unbeaten 114 off 216 balls in the second Test, steering India out of early trouble and into a position of strength.
Lloyd highlighted how naturally Gill has adapted to the number four position in India’s Test lineup, showcasing his class with consecutive centuries — first at Headingley and then in Edgbaston. Lloyd admired the ease and elegance in Gill’s batting, describing it as ‘effortless’ and visually pleasing. By comparing him to Azharuddin, Lloyd emphasized Gill’s graceful stroke play and calm demeanor at the crease — qualities that made Azharuddin a fan favorite.
“Shubman Gill has slotted in seamlessly at number four, with a century at Headingley and another hundred here. Batting looks effortless to him and he is wonderful to watch. He reminds me of Mohammad Azharuddin, who with his languid stroke play and relaxed mannerisms looked like nothing fazed him,” worte Lloyd in his column for the Daily Mail.
Lloyd on the challenges for the star Indian batter
Notably, Gill walked in with India wobbling at 95/2 on the opening day of the second Test, but soon took control of the innings, displaying a mix of patience and stylish aggression. From cover drives to wristy flicks, Gill’s knock had every element that makes Test cricket a treat to watch.
While his batting earned widespread applause, Lloyd also touched upon the challenges Gill faces as a new captain. He wrote: “At just 25, Gill’s next challenge is to get comfortable with the captaincy because he looked a little confused at Leeds.”
Gill’s numbers are already placing him in rare company. He has now joined the ranks of Indian icons Virat Kohli, Vijay Hazare, and Sunil Gavaskar — all of whom scored centuries in each of their first two Tests as captain.
