In a recent podcast, Shubman Gill, who is being heralded as India’s next great batsman, disclosed that he grew up looking up to Tendulkar. The Master Blaster was his father’s favourite cricket player and the reason he started playing, according to India’s T20I vice captain. But after learning the technical and cerebral facets of the game, Shubman Gill began to admire Kohli and was motivated by his enthusiasm for the game and desire to score runs.
Over the years, India has been fortunate to generate a number of legendary batters who have taken on the duty of continuously scoring runs for the Men in Blue. Since India’s first batting sensation, Sunil Gavaskar, players like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar have carried the weight of expectations like real-life heroes.
“I’ve had two role models. Sachin Tendulkar was the first. He was my dad’s favourite, and it was because of him that I began playing cricket. In a podcast on Apple Music, Shubman stated, “I really started to understand cricket — not just the skills but also the mental and tactical side of the game,” after he retired in 2013.
I also started paying close attention to Virat Kohli at that point. The way he conducted himself, his intense love for the game, and his hunger were all fascinating to observe. You may master any technique and skill, but hunger is something you either possess or lack. I was greatly encouraged by Virat’s abundance of it,” he continued.
In the current Asia Cup, Shubman Gill will be an important member of India’s team.
The right-handed batsman hit an undefeated 20 off nine balls in India’s opening encounter with the United Arab Emirates, helping the reigning champions chase down a 58-run mark in just 4.3 overs. Shubman Gill hadn’t played in a Twenty20 International since July 2024. On Sunday, September 14, India will play their next match against bitter rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
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