7 facts you really need to know about Shubman Gill – India’s fifth youngest Test captain of all time
India have named their new Test cricket captain for the upcoming tour of England, with Shubman Gill the man set to take over from the recently retired Rohit Sharma. It is a big responsibility and a role that has been filled by many of the biggest names in Indian cricket.
Gill follows in the footsteps of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly, to name just a few.
But who exactly is Shubman Gill? Let’s take a quick look at the man behind the captaincy — a player hailed as one of India’s brightest young stars and now entrusted with one of the most prestigious jobs in world cricket.
1. A prodigy from Punjab
Born in Fazilka, Punjab, in 1999, Shubman Gill’s cricketing talent was evident from a young age. His father, Lakhwinder Singh, was instrumental in his early development, even creating a pitch on their farm to help Gill train (and paying his workers extra if they were able to take his son’s wicket).
The sacrifices paid off when Gill started dominating age-group cricket, eventually earning a call-up to the India Under-19 team.
His name really began to rise after a stellar performance in the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup, where he was India’s vice-captain and top run-scorer with 372 runs. He was named Player of the Tournament and was soon marked as a future star.
2. A classy opening batsman
Gill’s batting is built on a classical foundation. Technically sound and elegant, he has drawn comparisons to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman for his calm presence and effortless stroke play. Though primarily an opener, he has also shown flexibility by batting at numbers three and four when needed.
In Tests, he has already produced some notable innings – including a match-winning 91 at the Gabba in 2021 during India’s famous series victory in Australia. He averages in the mid-40s and has multiple centuries across formats, proving himself as a dependable top-order force.
3. An all-format cricketer
What sets Gill apart from many of his peers is his ability to succeed across formats. In ODIs, he already has a double century to his name, while in T20Is he has also struck a hundred.
In all formats, his adaptability is clear: he can anchor an innings, accelerate when needed, and switch gears based on the match situation.
His maturity and poise in all three formats make him a natural candidate for leadership, even at the relatively young age of 25.
4. Captaincy experience at youth level
Though this is his first stint as India’s senior Test captain, Gill is not new to leadership. He was vice-captain of the Under-19 World Cup-winning squad in 2018 and has led Punjab in domestic cricket.
He has also been entrusted with vice-captaincy roles in India A and other developmental squads.
Those who’ve worked with him describe him as composed, tactically astute, and someone who leads by example. His captaincy now enters the biggest arena of all, Test cricket.
5. IPL stardom with Gujarat Titans
Gill’s rise has been further accelerated by his performances in the IPL. After starting with the Kolkata Knight Riders, he became a key player for the Gujarat Titans, helping them win the title in 2022 and reaching the final again in 2023.
In the 2023 season, he won the Orange Cap, scoring 890 runs — the second-highest season tally in IPL history. His leadership potential was evident in the way he marshalled the innings under pressure.
6. Mentored by the greats
Over the years, Gill has worked closely with some of Indian cricket’s finest. Rahul Dravid, formerly India’s head coach, was instrumental in his Under-19 development.
He has also spoken about the advice he’s received from the recently retired duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom have played pivotal roles in shaping India’s batting and leadership cultures.
Gill’s ability to learn and evolve quickly under such mentorship has accelerated his journey toward captaincy.
7. 5th youngest Indian Test captain of all time
At just 25, Gill becomes the fifth youngest Indian to lead the Test side. Gill joins a list that id topped by the legendary Nawab of Pataudi, who was handed the reins in 1962 at the age of 21. Gill’s appointment is both a recognition of his maturity and a clear investment in India’s future.
Others on the list of youngest skippers include Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Ravi Shastri.
Taking charge of a Test team with lofty expectations and a demanding schedule, especially in English conditions, will be a huge challenge. But given Gill’s calm temperament and natural leadership qualities, he seems ready for the moment.
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