Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri were taken aback when they first saw Shubman Gill bat in the nets, according to former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar. In January 2019, during the five-match ODI series in New Zealand, Gill made his debut for India.
“He went out to bat in the nets during his first session. MS Dhoni was still with the team, Virat Kohli was captain, and Ravi Shastri was head coach. According to Hindustan Times, Bangar informed Doordarshan Sports, “We were getting ready for the 2019 ODI World Cup.”
“I started bowling at Gill with the side-arm throwers.
He would play the drive when we pitched it up. He sliced the ball if it was little outside off-stump. He pulled it if it was just a little bit short. Everyone watched in awe, wondering what this was, while the other nets stopped and only his net continued to run.
“Coach Ravi Shastri wanted to include him in the starting lineup because he was so impressed. “Play him now” (Isko abhi khila do). We knew this youngster was unique when he made that type of impression during his very first net session.
Gill has gone on to become one of India’s most successful batters since that time. He has previously made appearances in 21 T20Is, 55 ODIs, and 37 Test matches, scoring more than 6000 runs in all forms. During the 2025 England tour, the 25-year-old, who is currently India’s permanent Test captain, had an unprecedented maiden series in charge.
Gill will also play in the 2025 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates. The management’s intention to expedite the right-hander’s development as a potential all-format leader is demonstrated by his return to the team as vice-captain, replacing Axar Patel. The right-hander last played in a Twenty20 International in July 2024.
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