Former India star backs Shubman Gill amid Virat Kohli comparisons

Shubman Gill has firmly established himself as one of the pillars of India’s future, with his responsibilities expanding rapidly over the last year. In 2025, the selectors handed him the captaincy in both Tests and ODIs, underlining their belief in his maturity, leadership qualities, and long-term potential. With senior stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from red-ball cricket, Gill has been entrusted with guiding a new era while carrying increased expectations as a leader and batter.

No longer seen as just a prolific top-order run-scorer, Gill is now central to India’s plans across formats. His calm presence and methodical approach symbolize a broader transition in Indian cricket, where young leadership is being blended with experience to navigate future challenges on the international stage.

Gill’s batting style and on-field intensity have naturally drawn comparisons with former India captain Virat Kohli, whose influence on world cricket spanned more than a decade. While Gill is still at an early stage of building a similar legacy, his composure under pressure and hunger for runs have often reminded fans and experts of Kohli’s prime years.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind Gill, dismissing concerns over the growing comparisons. According to Pathan, such parallels are a sign of Gill’s immense talent and the responsibility he now carries. He expressed confidence that Gill would continue to evolve as the challenges increase.

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Pathan pointed out that Kohli himself was once compared to Sachin Tendulkar, and the cycle has now moved forward. He praised Gill’s wide range of strokes, mental readiness, and ability to thrive under pressure, suggesting that greater responsibility would only help him develop further as a cricketer.

Gill is expected to return to India’s ODI setup for the upcoming series against New Zealand, where he is likely to share the dressing room with Kohli once again. After missing out on the T20 World Cup, the 50-over format presents a crucial opportunity for Gill to reaffirm his value and strengthen his position in India’s limited-overs plans.