Shubman Gill hints at bringing back Virat Kohli in India's Test team

India’s Test captain Shubman Gill has revealed the inspirations and philosophies that shaped his career from Punjab to international cricket. Shubman Gill has shared insights about his cricketing growth, love for Apple Music, and mindset for handling pressure at the highest level.

The right-handed batter also reflected on India’s recent Test series against England. Gill described the England tour as a ‘tough challenge’ and explained how high-level cricket demands both skill and mental strength.

He said that talent needs drive, focus, and passion to make it big at the highest level. Gill said that he learned these important qualities by watching Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli.

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Shubman Gill reveals how Virat Kohli helped him reach this level

India’s T20I vice-captain revealed that he started watching Kohli closely around 2011-2013 and was deeply inspired by his fierce passion, intensity, dedication, and relentless drive to succeed.

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Shubman Gill said in a podcast on Apple Music: “Talent and skill are one thing, but if you don’t have the drive and the passion, it doesn’t matter. That (2011-2013) was also the time I began following Virat Kohli closely. I loved watching the way he went about his business, the sheer passion he had for the game, and the hunger he carried.

You can learn all the skills and all the techniques, but hunger is something you either have or you don’t. Virat had it in abundance, and that really inspired me.”

Shubman Gill opens up about his idols

The Gujarat Titans captain also revealed that he grew up idolizing Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. He shared that Tendulkar was his father’s favorite, and he took up the game because of him.

Gill further noted, “I have had two idols. The first one was Sachin Tendulkar. He was my dad’s favorite, and I actually got into cricket because of him. He retired in 2013, and around 2011–2013 was when I really started to understand cricket properly, not just the skills but also the mental and tactical side of the game.”

Read Also: Rishabh Pant's comeback confirmed after just 1 match into Asia Cup 2025

Shubman Gill’s philosophy for captaincy and the secret to handling pressure revealed

As a captain, he has developed his own leadership style influenced by philosophy, particularly Stoicism. Gill revealed that he focuses on the process rather than recognition, comparing performance to bees making honey as emphasized sincere and dedicated work without seeking applause. Gill noted, “I want to do my part sincerely and honestly without seeking appreciation.”

The Punjab lad said that this mindset helps him handle pressure, stay disciplined, and perform consistently at the highest level. Speaking about his love for music, Gill said that he loves listening to classical tunes that help him stay calm and focused before matches.

Shubman Gill impressed in his T20I comeback

Notably, Gill is currently in the UAE with Team India playing in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. He made a comeback to the T20I team after one year with a quick cameo of 20* off just 9 balls during India’s nine-wicket win over the UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 opener.

Now, Gill and the Men in Blue are gearing up to face Pakistan in their next Asia Cup 2025 clash on Sunday, September 14, in Dubai, followed by the final league game against Oman on September 19.