Shubman Gill: India's Next Batting Great
Shubman Gill's 91 at The Gabba in 2021 helped India win one of cricket's great Tests. The elegant right-hander from Punjab has become India's most exciting batting prospect, with centuries across all formats and in all conditions.
Punjab's Opening Prodigy
Shubman Gill was born in Fazilka, Punjab on 8 September 1999. He made his name as a teenage prodigy in domestic cricket, winning the Under-19 World Cup Player of the Tournament award in 2018 and impressing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. His smooth, upright technique and ability to play both classical and modern strokes identified him as a future Test mainstay for India before he had played a senior international match.
The Gabba 91 in 2021
Gill's most celebrated innings to date was his 91 at The Gabba in January 2021, opening the batting for India in the fourth Test against Australia. India were chasing 328 and Gill's flowing strokeplay — particularly through the covers — provided exactly the confident start needed. He laid the foundation for Rishabh Pant's match-winning innings that followed. The two players, both aged 21-23, decided one of cricket's most memorable Tests between them.
Double Century in ODIs
In January 2023, Gill scored 208 in an ODI against New Zealand in Hyderabad — only the third Indian to score an ODI double century after Sachin Tendulkar and Martin Guptill (for New Zealand). He scored from ball one and accelerated in the final overs; the innings established him as equally dangerous in limited-overs cricket. His ODI average in 2023 and 2024 was among the highest of any batsman in the format globally.
Test Career Development
Gill has developed into a reliable Test opener for India after initially playing at number three. His Test centuries in the West Indies, South Africa and elsewhere demonstrate that his technique travels — he is not a flat-track specialist. As India look ahead to the WTC cycle and beyond, Gill at the top of the order alongside Rohit Sharma gives them one of the most elegant opening partnerships in international cricket.
Frequently asked questions
When did Shubman Gill make his international debut?
Shubman Gill made his Test debut against Australia in December 2020, having been selected for India's historic series down under. His 91 at The Gabba in January 2021 — helping India chase down 328 for a historic win — was the innings that announced him as a future Test regular. He had previously made his ODI debut in January 2019.
Did Shubman Gill score an ODI double century?
Yes — Shubman Gill scored 208 against New Zealand in Hyderabad in January 2023, becoming only the third Indian to score an ODI double century. Sachin Tendulkar (200* against South Africa in 2010) and Rohit Sharma (264 against Sri Lanka in 2014) had previously achieved the feat. Gill's 208 came off 149 balls, demonstrating extraordinary timing and stroke-making.