Shubman Gill, the young cricket prodigy, is receiving high praise from Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are eager to support his growth. Gill’s outstanding performance across different formats in the past year has impressed his national team captain Rohit Sharma, who calls him the “next big thing” in Indian cricket. Speaking to the ICC during the World Test Championship final against Australia, Rohit expressed his belief in Gill’s potential, stating that he possesses all the qualities required to succeed at the highest level. Rohit hopes that Gill can maintain his excellent form and continue to excel.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, a long-time teammate of Rohit and a role model for Gill, is also keen to assist the young cricketer by sharing his extensive knowledge acquired over his 15-year career. Gill has expressed his admiration for Kohli and often seeks his guidance, particularly regarding the game. Kohli acknowledges the similarity between Gill’s cover drive and his own execution, and he is fully aware of the young player’s talent. Referring to the nicknames given to Kohli by his fans (“King”) and Gill being called the “Prince,” Kohli believes that it is the duty of senior cricketers to mentor and guide younger players, helping them navigate the ups and downs of their careers. He praises Gill as a talented and humble individual and wishes him continued success in the ongoing Test match.
In 2023, Gill has played 17 matches for India and amassed 980 runs, including five centuries in various formats. He recently had a remarkable performance in the IPL, finishing as the top run-scorer with 890 runs at an average of 59.33, including three centuries. Gill’s talent was recognized early on by head coach Rahul Dravid, who nurtured him during his junior cricket days. Dravid recalls seeing Gill during the U-19 World Cup in 2018 and recognizing his potential to become a special player for India. Despite facing challenges such as injuries and uncertainty in the national team, Gill has shown tremendous growth over the past year. Dravid hopes that Gill will have many successful years representing India.
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj also regards Gill as a budding superstar. He marvels at Gill’s ability to handle bouncers and execute shots with ample time, noting his exceptional skill. Siraj fondly recalls making his Test debut alongside Gill and expresses his joy in witnessing Gill’s success.