BBC SPORT — Shubman Gill’s appointment as India’s new Test captain marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s cricketing history. At just 24, Gill steps into the shoes of legends like Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sunil Gavaskar. But how does he compare to these batting greats, and what can England do to contain him this summer?
Gill’s Meteoric Rise: A Statistical Snapshot
Since his Test debut in 2020, Gill has amassed 1,500+ runs at an average of 45.50, including four centuries. His recent form is even more impressive: in 2023, he averaged 58.75, with standout performances against Australia and England. "Gill’s ability to adapt across formats is rare. He’s the future of Indian batting," says former captain Rahul Dravid.
Comparisons to India’s greats are inevitable. Here’s how Gill stacks up at a similar stage in their careers:
- Virat Kohli (age 24): 1,800 runs at 45.00, 5 centuries
- Sachin Tendulkar (age 24): 3,500 runs at 50.00, 12 centuries
- Sunil Gavaskar (age 24): 2,200 runs at 60.00, 8 centuries
While Gill’s numbers lag slightly behind Gavaskar’s, his strike rate (55.20) eclipses the Little Master’s (45.10). "He’s a modern aggressor with classical technique," notes analyst Harsha Bhogle.
The Captaincy Challenge: Learning from Legends
Gill’s leadership debut comes with immense pressure. Kohli’s win rate (58.8%) and Tendulkar’s tactical acumen set high benchmarks. However, Gill’s calm demeanor and tactical nous in domestic cricket (leading Gujarat Titans to an IPL title) hint at promise. "Captaincy could elevate his game, like it did for Kohli," predicts coach Anil Kumble.
England’s Game Plan: How to Stop Gill
England’s bowlers face a stern test. Gill’s weaknesses, though few, include:
- Short-ball vulnerability: Dismissed 8 times by bouncers in Tests (Starc, Cummins exploited this in 2023).
- Early movement: James Anderson’s swing could trouble his front-foot dominance.
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain warns: "Gill punishes width. Bowl tight lines or he’ll feast. England must attack his ego—lure him into drives early."
The Verdict: Potential to Eclipse the Greats?
Gill’s blend of flair and grit draws parallels to Kohli’s early days. His Test hundreds include:
- A match-winning 128 vs. Australia in Brisbane (2021)
- A counterattacking 104 vs. England in Visakhapatnam (2024)
Statistician Mohandas Menon points out: "At 24, Tendulkar had 12 tons, but Gill faces fiercer bowling attacks. His ceiling is sky-high."
As Gill prepares to lead India against England, the cricketing world watches. Can he carve a legacy among India’s pantheon? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: "Gill’s era has begun," declares Gavaskar.
For England, the task is clear: disrupt his rhythm early. Fail, and Gill could join the ranks of India’s immortal batters sooner than anyone imagined.