Career of Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill, born on September 8, 1999, in Fazilka, Punjab, is a dynamic Indian cricketer who competes in all formats for the national team. Serving as vice-captain in white-ball cricket, he also leads the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and represents Punjab in domestic tournaments. As a right-handed top-order batter, Gill made his international debut in January 2019 during a series against New Zealand. His contributions were instrumental in India’s journey to the runners-up position in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Gill has made remarkable achievements in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He became the quickest batter to score 2,000 runs in just 38 innings and, at the age of 23, etched his name in history by becoming the youngest player to hit a double century in ODIs. His domestic cricket career began with his List A debut for Punjab against Vidarbha in 2017, followed by a first-class debut against Bengal in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy, where he impressed with a half-century and later scored 129 runs in the tournament’s concluding match.

Shining at the Under-19 World Stage

As the vice-captain of India’s Under-19 squad, Gill displayed extraordinary skill in the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Accumulating 372 runs at an astonishing average of 124.00, he played a pivotal role in securing India’s fourth championship title. His unbeaten 102 in the semi-final against Pakistan earned widespread admiration from cricketing legends such as Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and Sourav Ganguly. For his stellar performance, he was named the Player of the Tournament.

Dominance in the IPL

In 2022, Gill contributed significantly to the Gujarat Titans’ IPL championship-winning campaign. The following year, he won the prestigious Orange Cap in IPL 2023, amassing 890 runs—the second-highest tally in IPL history—including three centuries. His knock of 129 in the IPL Qualifier 2 remains the highest score in playoff history. In recognition of his leadership and talent, Gill was appointed captain of the Gujarat Titans for IPL 2024 after Hardik Pandya’s transfer to the Mumbai Indians.

A Promising Beginning

Born into a Punjabi Sikh family, Shubman Gill’s early years were marked by an intense dedication to cricket. His father, Lakhwinder Singh, a farmer who once dreamed of becoming a cricketer, recognised Shubman’s talent at a young age. At just three years old, Gill started practising with a bat. To nurture his son’s potential, Lakhwinder committed to training him rigorously, delivering 500–700 balls daily. In 2007, the family relocated to Mohali, close to the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, to provide Shubman with better opportunities.

At the age of 12, Gill’s talent was spotted by former Indian bowler Karsan Ghavri, who recommended his inclusion in Punjab’s Under-14 team after observing his exceptional batting against Under-19 bowlers. Shubman continued to break records, including a remarkable 351-run knock in an Inter-District Under-16 match, where he shared a 587-run opening partnership with teammate Nirmal Singh. At just 14, he scored a double century on his Under-16 debut in the Vijay Merchant Trophy.

Rising Through Domestic Cricket

Shubman Gill’s domestic career officially began when he debuted in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Punjab in February 2017. Although his first match against Vidarbha was modest, he quickly made an impact in his second game, scoring a scintillating 121 off 129 balls against Assam. His first-class debut in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy showcased his growing prowess, culminating in a maiden century—129 off 142 balls—against services in just his second match.

From humble beginnings in Fazilka to becoming one of India’s most promising cricketing stars, Shubman Gill continues to inspire fans with his talent, determination, and remarkable achievements on the field.