Shubman Gill’s journey to becoming India’s Test captain is nothing short of remarkable. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar recently shared a powerful anecdote about Gill’s very first net session with the Indian team back in January 2019 — and how it left Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri completely stunned.
The young batter had just joined the Indian squad for the five-match ODI series in New Zealand and was preparing alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket, including MS Dhoni, Kohli, and then-head coach Shastri.
Gill’s First Nets with Team India: “Everyone Stopped and Watched”
Speaking to Doordarshan Sports, Bangar recounted the moment:
“It was his first session and he walked out to bat in the nets. Ravi Shastri was the head coach, Virat Kohli was captain, and MS Dhoni was still in the team. We were preparing for the 2019 ODI World Cup.”
According to Bangar, the net session quickly turned into a spectacle. As Gill faced the side-arm throwers and Bangar himself, he effortlessly played drives, cuts, and pull shots — each stroke more impressive than the last.
“The other nets stopped; only his net was going on. Everyone was watching in amazement — wondering what this was,” Bangar said. “Coach Ravi Shastri was so impressed he said, ‘Isko abhi khila do’ [Play him now]. He left that kind of imprint in his first net session itself. That’s when we realized this boy was special.”
Gill’s Rise to Stardom: Now India’s Test Captain
Fast forward to 2025, and Shubman Gill has firmly established himself as one of India’s most consistent and prolific batters. At just 25 years old, he has already featured in:
- 37 Tests
- 55 ODIs
- 21 T20Is
Across these formats, he has scored over 6,000 international runs, showcasing elegance, maturity, and leadership well beyond his years.
Gill is now India’s permanent Test captain and recently enjoyed a record-breaking first series in charge during India’s 2025 tour of England — a historic achievement that has only added to his growing legacy.
Adding to his responsibilities, Gill is set to return to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. Interestingly, he has also been named vice-captain, replacing Axar Patel — a move that clearly signals the team management’s intention to groom him as a future all-format leader.
