'Don't want to let the opportunity go' – Shubman Gill on India call-up

The 19-year-old top-order batsman first rose to prominence with his Player of the Tournament performance in the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup 2018, also held in New Zealand, where he played a key role in India's title-winning run.

He has rapidly risen through the ranks since then and is now on the cusp of an India cap in just over a year since his first-class debut in November 2017. Having recently toured New Zealand with India A, where he scored a half-century in a first-class game, it would have been easy for selectors to consider him for the senior side.

"I think that (having played in New Zealand) will be an advantage," Gill told ESPNcricinfo."I am familiar with the conditions because I have just travelled there [with the India A squad]. I also played the Under-19 World Cup there last year."

He is now looking forward to playing with the senior team and interacting with the likes of the captain Virat Kohli. "My only goal is that I don't want to let the opportunity go if I get selected in the XI," Gill said.

"I'll just see how he (Kohli) practises, the way he does his fitness work. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone in the team."

Gill has been in prime form with the bat as well, having notched up scores of 91, 69*, 148 and 268 in his last five first-class games and averages 77.28 in nine matches.

His List A average of 47.78 from 36 games is also noteworthy, and his strike-rate of 86.18 in 50-over cricket and 146.04 in T20 all suggest he is a quick scorer.

Gill has already enjoyed a run in the Indian Premier League, having played the 2018 edition of the tournament for Kolkata Knight Riders. That could also make him a candidate for a spot at No.7, now vacated by the suspension of Hardik Pandya.

"I think batting at No. 7 was new to me, and I learnt a lot of things," Gill said. "Our coaches and seniors really helped me. They all told me that I don't have to hit every ball, but I should know certain areas that are my strength and keep those."

India's tour of New Zealand begins with the first of five ODIs on 23 February followed by the first of three T20Is on 6 March.