Shubman Gill vs Quinton de Kock - comparing their stats after 58 ODIs

South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock delivered his first standout performance with the bat since reversing his international retirement in the second ODI against Pakistan in Faisalabad. After struggling in the T20Is, the southpaw cut loose with a breathtaking 123* off 119 deliveries to help the Proteas level the three-match series at 1-1.

De Kock was one of the rare batters to kickstart his ODI career on a rampage, scoring runs and ticking off milestones for fun. Meanwhile, India's ODI skipper Shubman Gill has enjoyed a similarly prosperous start to his 50-over career.

Thus, it makes for a worthwhile comparison to see who did it better in the first phase of their respective ODI careers. While Gill has played 58 ODIs for India since his debut in 2019, De Kock has played 157 ODIs for the Proteas.

Here, we look at their numbers across different categories after their first 58 ODIs to see who won the first part of their careers.

#1 Quantitative numbers

While 'quality over quantity' is a commonly used catch-phrase, when it comes to assessing batters, there is no looking past quantitative numbers. De Kock and Gill piled on the runs for fun from the get-go in the ODI format, breaking several records along the way.

Thus, it is only fair that we begin comparing the duo by looking at their counting statistics - runs, centuries, and half-centuries after 58 ODIs.

Shubman Gill vs Quinton de Kock - Overall Numbers

Both openers crossed the incredible 2000-run mark in ODIs after their 58th outing. While Gill amassed more half-centuries, De Kock converted his to three-figure scores at a higher rate. Even if the milestones count goes slightly in favor of the South African great, Gill has a considerable edge in overall runs after 58 ODIs.

Edge: Shubman Gill

#2 Impact Numbers

Renowned for their remarkable consistency and match-winning impact, Shubman Gill and Quinton de Kock made opponents pay from the infant stage of their ODI careers. An average of over 40 with a strike rate of 90+ has become the trend for qualifying a batter as great in ODIs.

Furthermore, their numbers in team success play a role in defining their overall impact as batters.

Shubman Gill vs Quinton de Kock - Impact Numbers

Quinton de Kock boasts averages and strike rates overall and in team wins that most batters would dream of. Yet, the Indian superstar has him beat in all four categories - overall average and strike rate, and numbers in team wins by a considerable margin after 58 ODIs.

Edge: Shubman Gill

#3 Home-Away splits

With such incredible numbers across categories after 58 ODIs, it is stating the obvious that Gill and De Kock boast fairly impressive numbers at home and away. Yet, cricket has thrown up a few stalwarts with excellent overall numbers, even if their away figures are surprisingly ordinary.

Here, we find out how the Indian and South African openers performed at home and away in their first 58 ODI outings.

Shubman Gill vs Quinton de Kock - Home/Away numbers

It is the same story, the third chapter, when it comes to De Kock against Gill in numbers after 58 ODIs. The South African veteran has an excellent record at home, with a more-than-decent away record in this span. Yet, once again, Gill upstages him by a massive margin in all categories but the away strike rate to all but make it a clean sweep.

Edge: Shubman Gill

---

Conclusion

The numbers game between Shubman Gill and Quinton de Kock after 58 ODIs is a revelation in the difference between good and great. While the latter has outstanding figures across the board, his Indian successor has taken the opening role in ODIs to incredible heights.

It remains to be seen if Gill can continue on this trajectory and establish himself as one of the greatest of all time in the 50-over format.

Winner: Shubman Gill