Shubman Gill is now India’s 37th Test captain, taking charge after legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. At just 25, he’s not only leading the team—he’s rewriting the way leadership looks in Indian cricket. It’s not every day you see someone this young carrying the weight of whites and still walking with ease.
He made a strong start. On his captaincy debut at Headingley, he scored a century and became just the fifth Indian to do so. That display of calm power lit up the Test and announced his era. He mixed flair with focus, timing his shots beautifully, walking tall in the English summer.
But a hint of suspense hangs over this new chapter. How did it all come together? What pushed Shubman Gill into the Test captain’s chair? Was it just his cool head under pressure, or was there more behind the scenes? Let’s dive into it. This post will walk you through everything that shaped his path to Test captaincy.
About Shubam Gill: From Punjab to the U-19 World Cup
Shubman Gill’s cricket journey began in the fields of Fazilka, Punjab. His father, a farmer, bowled hundreds of balls to him daily, nurturing his passion. At just 12, Gill impressed former Indian bowler Karsan Ghavri, leading to his addition in Punjab’s U-14 team. By the age of 14, he scored a double century on his U-16 debut in the Vijay Merchant jewel.
In December 2017, Gill was appointed vice-captain of India’s U-19 team for the 2018 World Cup in New Zealand. He showcased remarkable consistency, amassing 372 runs in six matches, including a match-winning 102* against Pakistan in the semi-final. His leadership, both on and off the field, was evident, as he guided the team to its fourth U-19 World Cup title.
Domestic Cricket & IPL Leadership
Shubman Gill rose fast in India’s domestic game. He debuted in List A in February 2017 and scored 121 in his second match. He then entered first-class cricket later that year and hit a century in just his second game for Punjab. He followed that with a massive 268-run knock in December 2018 and added a strong 148 in a tense chase. He ended that Ranji season as Punjab’s top scorer.
Gill then joined the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022. He led them from the front. He won the Orange Cap in 2023 with 890 runs and led the Titans to the final. In 2025, Titans named him captain again. He scored 460+ runs in 2025 and helped guide the team into the playoffs.. His blend of big runs and leadership made him stand out in T20 cricket.
Transition to International Cricket
Shubman Gill started Test cricket in December 2020 in Australia. He played at the MCG and scored a first-innings 45. He polished that with an unbeaten 35 when India chased a small target. Gill then went to the Gabba. He scored a brilliant 91 off 146 balls there. India chased down 328, winning the series.
That knock showed Gill’s skill under pressure. He took on world-class bowlers like Starc, Cummins, and Lyon. He showed calm and flair in tough conditions. Gill also shifted well between opener and middle-order roles later.
This proved he adapts to team needs. His early Tests abroad shaped him. Those innings laid the groundwork for him to grow into a leader and captain at the top level.
Leadership Qualities & Captaincy Style
Shubman Gill shows a calm presence on the field. He reads the game well and trusts his instincts. That quiet strength keeps energy steady during tight moments.
Praise from Teammates & Coaches—
- He understands the game very well,” said Sherfane Rutherford
- R. Sai Kishore added, “He helps bowlers through big moments.”
- Kane Williamson called him “inspiring” and praised his “clear communication.”
- Gerald Coetzee said Gill “stands up for players” and keeps composure.
Gill leads from the front with bat and attitude. He plays with discipline off the field and stays sharp on it. He nurtures team unity with trust and space. His style combines focus with freedom, enabling players to relax and perform at their best.
The Verdict—
Shubman Gill has hit milestone after milestone since taking the Test captaincy. He smashed an unbeaten 127 on debut at Headingley, becoming the fifth Indian captain to do so—and only the fourth to reach this mark on English soil. His celebration echoed Virat Kohli’s fire, showing both emotion and intent. He then steered India to a strong position in the current series with smart batting and calm leadership in tricky conditions. His latest performance paints a clear picture of steady hands and bold moves. This young leader seems ready to shape India’s Test future—both on record and in spirit.
However, if you want to bet on your favorite players, catch all updates like this on Reddybook—your go-to hub for cricket news and platform logins. Just use your Reddybook ID to log in and access multiple betting exchanges in one spot—for fun, fast, and easy action.
