India's U19 WC hero Shubman Gill credits his success to this superstition!

Christchurch: India made arch-rivals Pakistan bite the dust in the much-anticipated semifinal of the ICC Under-19 World Cup on Tuesday as Shubman Gill smashed a sensational hundred to establish India into the final of the tournament.

Shubman Gill, who was adjudged player of the match in the semifinal played at the Hagley Oval here, has been sensational throughout the tournament and has so far scored six back to back fifty-plus scores. The amazingly talented batsman, however, believes in a superstition which according to him has been instrumental in his flourishing career.

Yes, the right-handed batsman always carries a red-handkerchief tucked in his waist.

Talking to the media at the end of the semifinal, Gill said, "I have been wearing one since I was young. Earlier it used to be white. But I wore a red handkerchief in one match and it worked, so I have been carrying the same colour since about 3-4 years now."

On being asked if he remember when he first wore a red handkerchief, Gill said, "It was a long time ago, sir. During an Under-16 state match. I had scored a hundred in that match and ever since then I have had a red handkerchief on me."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy8jRSjnRiM

His 102-run unbeaten inning which came off only 94 balls and was studded with 7 fours led India to a big score of 272/9 in given 50 overs. After a brilliant hundred by Gill, Indian bowlers also exhibited excellence by bundling up Pakistan for mere 69 runs. Ishan Porel was the most successful bowler as he picked up 4 wickets.

During the tournament, Gill has scored 341 runs (63, 90*, 86 and 102*) at a staggering average of 170.50. He, however, has been equally sensational throughout his U19 career as in 14 innings he has played so far, he has aggregated 1,180 runs at a phenomenal average of 118. He also scores at a great strike rate of 103.23 and has scored 6 half-centuries and 4 hundreds.

Also Read: U19 World Cup: India thrashes Pakistan to qualify for final

This year, he was bought for a whopping Rs 1.80 crore by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

His luck prevailed in the semifinal against Pakistan also when he was dropped at the slips early in the innings and he was again dropped at 99, though it was a no ball, on the last delivery of the inning.

Apart from Shubman Gill, there was another cricketer who used to carry a red handkerchief while playing. He was none other than Australian great Steve Waugh. He used to keep the hanky in his pocket instead of tucking it in the waist.

Now, India will face Australia in Tauranga on February 3. It may be recalled that India had defeated Australia by 100 runs in the preliminary league stage of the tournament.

It is worth mentioning that India and Australia, both have won the U19 World Cup thrice each, which means the winner of the Saturday's final will become the most successful nation in the history of the tournament.

Video Credit: YouTube