Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Mentoring Gill’s Meteoric Rise
Shubman Gill, the young prodigy, has taken the Indian cricket scene by storm, earning accolades from two of India’s batting stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are eager to nurture his potential.
Gill’s exceptional performances across formats in the past year have solidified his position as the “next big thing” in Indian cricket, as stated by Rohit Sharma during the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia. Rohit exclaimed, “Shubman Gill has got so much potential. Without a doubt in my mind, the next big thing in Indian cricket.” With unwavering confidence, Rohit believes Gill possesses all the necessary attributes to succeed at the highest level and hopes that he continues his remarkable form.
Meanwhile, Gill’s idol, Virat Kohli, has expressed his willingness to support the 23-year-old sensation by imparting his extensive knowledge accumulated over his illustrious 15-year career. Gill, who admires Kohli’s cover drive, has been bestowed with the title of ‘Prince’ by cricket enthusiasts, paralleling Kohli’s status as ‘King’. Kohli, while acknowledging the public’s embrace of these monikers, emphasizes the duty of senior cricketers to guide and mentor young talents, equipping them with insights gained from their own experiences. The Indian run-machine commended Gill’s outstanding performance and extended his best wishes for the ongoing Test match, remarking, “He is a lovely kid, he is playing amazingly well and I wish he continues that in this (ongoing Test match) as well.”
With 980 runs across formats in 17 matches for India in 2023, including five centuries, Gill’s meteoric rise has been truly extraordinary. Notably, his exceptional form spilled over into the recently concluded IPL season, where he topped the run chart with 890 runs at an average of 59.33, featuring three centuries. Such outstanding statistics have solidified his reputation as a formidable force at the crease.
Reflecting on Gill’s journey, head coach Rahul Dravid, who has closely observed and nurtured him since his junior cricket days, expressed his delight in seeing him ascend the ranks. Dravid recalls his first encounter with Gill during the U-19 World Cup in 2018, recognizing his extraordinary potential even then. Highlighting Gill’s resilience in overcoming setbacks and injuries, Dravid believes that the young talent has matured remarkably in the past year, emerging as a great player for India. With high hopes, Dravid envisions many glorious years for Gill in the Indian cricket team.
Mohammed Siraj, the frontline pacer for India, lauds Gill’s exceptional abilities, remarking on his composure and incredible timing. Siraj recalls Gill’s ability to effortlessly dispatch bouncers towards the mid-on region with ample time at his disposal. Having witnessed Gill’s journey from their Test debut together, Siraj expresses his happiness at witnessing the young star’s well-deserved success.
Shubman Gill’s journey in Indian cricket has been nothing short of remarkable, and with the unwavering support and mentorship of seasoned veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the future looks exceptionally bright for this budding superstar. As Gill continues to shine on the cricketing stage, his rise to prominence serves as a testament to India’s rich cricketing heritage and its commitment to nurturing young talent.
