IPL 2019: Shubman Gill\'s father breaks into bhangra after his son\'s fifty\, earns...

IPL 2019: Shubman Gill’s father breaks into bhangra after his son’s fifty, earns praise from Shah Rukh Khan

Shubman’s father, who is also his childhood coach, could not control his emotions and broke into a bhangra as soon as the 19-year-old reached his fifty.

cricket Updated: May 04, 2019 13:28 IST
KKR batsman Shubman Gill with his father Lakhwinder Singh and mother Kirath Gill after his match-winning knock against Kings XI Punjab at Mohali. (Screen grab)

If Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 65 off 49 balls floored Kings XI Punjab in an IPL match, off the field it was Shubman’s father Lakhwinder Singh who stole the limelight by doing bhangra after his son reached his half-century on Friday. Gill’s matured knock took Kolkata Knight Riders to a 7-wicket win against Kings XI Punjab at Mohali and kept them alive in the tournament.

Chasing a target of 184, the 19-year-old Gill showed his range on his ‘home turf’ with an attractive 65 not out off 49 balls balls, anchoring the chase after Chris Lynn (46 off 22 balls) set the pace with some big hits in the Powerplay overs.

Not only did KKR reach the target in 18 overs but they also improved the net run-rate as they now have 12 points with a must-win away game against Mumbai Indians left.

Shubman’s father, who is also his childhood coach, could not control his emotions and broke into a bhangra as soon as the 19-year-old reached his fifty. Shubman Gill’s mother Kirath Gill was also present in the ground. Later, the Gill family got together in a chat with IPLT20.com, where Shubman asked his father about the bhangra.

“People are telling me that you had a wild celebration after I reached my half-century?” Shubman asked his father.

“I’m very happy that you played so well on your home ground. I danced after your fifty, did the bhangra,” Shubman’s father Lakhwinder Singh said.

Lakhwinder Singh’s bhangra also caught the eye of KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan, who went on to name him the star of the night.

“Well done @KKRiders & @DineshKarthik . All played like u should by backing urselves. @lynny50 #SWarrier @RealShubmanGill good job. But tonite belongs to Papa! 3 cheers for proud papa & family,” Shah Rukh Khan tweeted along with a picture of Shubman’s father doing the bhangra.

Gill’s batting was a treat for the eyes as he literally toyed with KXIP skipper Ravichandran Ashwin hitting him for 18 runs in an over. There was a six over long on where he came down the track and another slog sweep behind square.

The half-century came with a deft late cut which prompted his happy father to break into a bhangra.

In the end, skipper Dinesh Karthik (21 off 9 balls) finished the match with a flourish. Earlier, Youngsters Sam Curran and Nicholas Pooran displayed belligerence as Kings XI Punjab put on a respectable 183 for 6 against Kolkata Knight Riders after being put into bat.

(With agency inputs)

First Published: May 04, 2019 13:19 IST