Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his full support behind Shubman Gill, stating that added responsibility is only accelerating the young batter’s growth as a leader and elite cricketer.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Pathan drew a powerful parallel between Gill’s journey and his own early days in international cricket, recalling advice he once received from Rahul Dravid.
🗣️ Dravid’s Advice & Gill’s Path
Pathan revealed how Dravid prepared him for the pressures of international cricket at just 19.
“Rahul Dravid told me that getting into the Indian team is just the beginning. Things will get tougher, and you simply have to get used to it,” Pathan recalled.
According to Pathan, Gill is now walking the same demanding but rewarding path.
👑 Leadership Brings Growth
Pathan highlighted how Gill’s elevation to leadership roles has positively impacted his game.
“When Gill became captain during the England series, his authority and average improved. Then he got the ODI captaincy, and that gives you a big chance to grow,” he said.
Gill began 2025 steadily in ODIs and played a crucial role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph, scoring 188 runs, including a classy century against Bangladesh.
🇬🇧 England Tour: Gill’s Defining Moment
Gill’s true statement as a leader came during his first full Test tour of England, where he led a young Indian side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Nicknamed the “Prince of Indian Cricket”, Gill produced a historic run spree:
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🧮 754 runs in 5 Tests
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📊 Average: 75.40
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💯 Four centuries
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🔥 Career-best 269
His performances rewrote multiple records and cemented his status as India’s next batting giant.
🔄 Comparisons Are Inevitable
Pathan also addressed the constant comparisons surrounding Gill.
“Virat was compared with Sachin, and now Gill is compared with Virat. He has the talent and the shot range to reach those heights,” Pathan said.
⚠️ T20I Setback & Learning Curve
Gill’s only dip came in T20 internationals, where he scored 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of just over 24, eventually missing out on India’s T20 World Cup squad.
But Pathan sees this as part of the process.
“Challenges make you better. The more responsibility he gets, the more he will grow. He’s always eager to learn and ready for cricket,” he concluded.
🌟 The Road Ahead
With talent, temperament and leadership already visible, Shubman Gill’s journey is shaping up to be one of Indian cricket’s most exciting stories — and if Irfan Pathan is right, the best is still to come. 🚀
