Shubman Gill – His Journey till he Became Indian Captain

In the heart of Punjab, in a small town called Fazilka, a boy was born on September 8, 1999, who knows that he would go on to become one of the brightest stars in Indian cricket.

Early Life and Family Support

Shubman was born into a farming family. His father, Lakhwinder Singh Gill, wasn’t just a farmer he was a man with a dream and he wanted his son to follow some dreams in the life. A cricket enthusiast himself, Lakhwinder noticed his son’s unusual love for the game at a tender age. It wasn’t just about playing with the bat and ball, young Shubman would sleep next to cricket bat next to him. Sensing the spark, Lakhwinder decided to invest everything into his son’s future.

To support Shubman’s passion, the family moved from their village to Mohali, where facilities were better. His father even created a private practice ground for Shubman in the backyard of their home. He would personally throw hundreds of balls at Shubman every day, often simulating match conditions.Lakhwinder gave up his own ambitions and made his son’s dream his own mission.

Cricket Beginnings: Rise through the Ranks

Shubman started his training in cricket when he was just eight at the Punjab Cricket Association’s stadium in Mohali. His coaches immediately recognized his immense talent. The elegance in his shots and his calm temperament set him apart. He wasn’t just another aspiring cricketer like others but was talented enough to prove himself in any cricket ground.

Gill rose quickly through the ranks. He represented Punjab in Under-14 and Under-16 age groups, and it was during these formative years that he started making the runs consistently. In the Vijay Merchant Trophy in the year 2014 he scored a double century in a match against J & K. This performance made him a player to watch.

But in Cooch Behar Trophy 2017–18 where he announced his arrival in style Gill amassed 728 runs in just five matches, making him the highest run-scorer. Shubman gills performances was spotted and was selected in the Indian under 19 team for the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

And finally, the U-19 World Cup Breakthrough

Shubman gills major turning point was this world cup 2018 Under-19 World Cup in Gill’s life. Under the leadership of Prithvi Shaw and guidance of coach Rahul Dravid, India went on to win the title, but it was Gill who stole the show with his consistency and flair. He made 372 runs in six matches at an average of 124 including a match-winning 102 against Pakistan in the semi-final.

His performances didn’t just make headlines they made history and this crucial tournament Gill was awarded also awarded the Player of the Tournament, and suddenly, the entire cricketing world was looking at this young lad from Punjab. He had the technique of Rahul Dravid, the strokeplay of Virat Kohli, and the calmness of Sachin Tendulkar all in one package.

Instead of complaining, Shubman channelled that disappointment into training. His father reportedly noticed Shubman silently spending more hours in the nets and not celebrating birthdays or achievements he was hungry, but quietly.

Emotional Setback After Not Being Picked Post-U19 World Cup

Well every cricketer or sportsman has some struggling phases and so it was the sad moment for shubman gill after shining in the 2018 U-19 World Cup, Gill was expected to walk into the senior Indian team. But despite being the Player of the Tournament, he was not immediately picked for the senior side.

It was emotionally frustrating for a young cricketer who had given his best in the biggest ICC under 19 Tournament  watching his teammates like Prithvi Shaw and Shivam Mavi get chances while he waited, tested his patience.

Despite his U-19 and domestic heroics, Gill had to wait for his opportunity at the international level. The Indian batting lineup was packed with stars, and breaking into the squad was no easy task. But Shubman didn’t let frustration consume him. Instead, he kept grinding, focusing on fitness and refining his technique.

He was picked in the squad for the 2019 tour of New Zealand. On January 31, 2019, he made his ODI debut at the age of 19. Though he didn’t score big in his first few matches, his composure and technique impressed everyone.

IPL Entry and Early Senior Career

Post the Under-19 World Cup, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured Shubman Gill for ₹1.8 crores in the 2018 IPL auction. Initially, KKR didn’t utilize him properly, often making him bat in the lower middle order. But whenever he got a chance at the top, he showed his class.

IPL Stardom with Gujarat Titans

In the 2022 IPL Mega Auction, Shubman was picked by the new franchise and that was Gujarat Titans and  Opening the innings, he played a role in helping them win the title in their debut season but it was the 2023 IPL where Gill truly exploded.

He scored 890 runs, including three centuries, finishing as the Orange Cap winner. His form and match-winning knocks earned him the Most Valuable Player of the Season. And here it all began the comparing him to greats players.

Struggles and Patience Before National Debut

Test Debut and the Gabba Glory

Border-Gavaskar Trophy Shubman Gill’s true rise came during his historic 2020–21 in Australia. India had lost several key players due to injury, and a young, inexperienced side faced the mighty Aussies. Gill was given a chance in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he scored a composed 45 and an unbeaten 35, helping India level the series.

But his most iconic innings came in the fourth Test at the Gabba. Chasing 328 on a bouncy Brisbane track, Gill scored a majestic 91, laying the foundation for India’s miraculous victory. It wasn’t just an innings—it was a statement. India breached Australia’s fortress after 32 years, and Shubman was at the heart of it.

Establishing Himself in the Indian Team

Post-Gabba, Gill’s position in the Indian Test team became more permanent. He also continued to improve in limited-overs cricket. In January 2023, he scored a double century in ODIs against New Zealand, becoming the youngest to do so for India at just 23.

He followed it with a century in T20Is as well, becoming the fifth Indian to score centuries in all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. What made Gill special was not just the scoring the runs but the manner in which he scored them effortless timing, elegant drives, and sharp cricketing intelligence.

Playing Style and Personality

What sets Shubman apart is his classical batting technique, married with modern aggression. He plays the short ball well, drives with perfection, and rotates strike smartly.He doesn’t just bat he paints a picture.

Off the field, Gill is known to be grounded, spiritual, and focused. Despite the glamour of fame and IPL, he remains rooted in his values and constantly strives for excellence.

Testing his when he was 24 years old

With such a consistent rise and a calm head on his shoulders, it was inevitable that Shubman Gill would be seen as a leader. In 2024, when India was in transition with senior players resting or injured, Shubman was handed the captaincy for India in limited-overs series against Zimbabwe and Ireland.

And when shubman was just 24 years old he became one of the youngest players to lead India. His calm demeanor, intelligent field placements, and batting from the front showcased his leadership qualities. Players responded well to his style, and India registered comfortable series wins under his captaincy and now he is the Test Matches captain for Team india big Responsibility ahead in the young age.

Future of Indian Cricket

Many experts believe that Shubman Gill is destined to be India’s next long-term captain across formats. With a calm mind like Dhoni and the hunger of Kohli, Gill symbolizes the future. He has the temperament for Test cricket, the flair for T20s, and the adaptability for ODIs.

As India eyes future ICC tournaments, Shubman Gill will undoubtedly be one of the central figures around whom the team will be built.

Conclusion

From a small village in Punjab to leading the Indian national team, Shubman Gill’s journey is not just about cricket it’s about dreams, dedication, and discipline. His story is a of hope for countless youngsters across India. In a nation like India legends like Sachin, Dhoni, and Kohli,roars but Shubman Gill is carving a niche of his own a legacy in the making and current responsibility of becoming the Test team captain he have to be on his toes to fulfil it not his own dreams but also the dreams of the nation.

Shubman Gill Personal Details