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Shubman Gill has enjoyed a productive 2026 in ODI cricket, and his performances have drawn praise from former India cricketer Aakash Chopra. Chopra believes Gill has developed several qualities associated with Virat Kohli, particularly his hunger for runs and desire to finish games for the team.
Shubman Gill's recent numbers underline his consistency in the format. The India captain has scored 671 runs in nine ODI innings this year at an average of 95.85 and a strike rate of 109.10, including two centuries and five fifties.
Shubman Gill ruling ODI cricket in 2026
Gill has emerged as one of India's most consistent ODI batters in 2026. In the first ODI of the three-match series against the West Indies National Cricket Team, the India skipper played a brilliant knock of 110 runs, playing a vital role in his team's victory.
During the match, he also reached two significant milestones during his ODI career. Gill completed 2,000 runs as India's captain, doing so at an average of 68.40. He now sits among India's leading run-scorers as an ODI captain, with Virat Kohli leading the list with 12,883 runs at 59.92.
Gill has also crossed 3,000 ODI runs as an opener for India. He reached 3,000 runs at an average of 60.00, placing him behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Shikhar Dhawan, K Srikkanth and Gautam Gambhir on India's all-time list.
I think Shubman Gill understands the DNA of ODI cricket
Aakash Chopra believes Gill has developed a strong understanding of what ODI batting requires. He also compared Shubman Gill's approach and hunger with Kohli's, particularly highlighting his desire to convert performances into match-winning contributions.
“I think Shubman Gill understands the DNA of ODI cricket. In fact, 2026 is his year. He's averaging close to 100, striking at a good strike rate as well.
“He's also someone who was unhappy in the end, kicking himself that he should have finished the game off. He's got almost Virat Kohli-like traits. When you look at him, the way he bats, the hunger, the appetite, that is insatiable,” Aakash Chopra said during a discussion on Cricinfo.
Aakash Chopra speaks on Shubman Gill's less game time
Chopra also pointed out that Gill's limited international schedule can sometimes affect his rhythm. Since Gill does not feature in T20Is for India, there can be longer gaps between his international appearances.
“There is one thing with Shubman also now. The last international game he played was against Sri Lanka in Test cricket. Then there is a lull, there is a break, where he goes and plays Sher-E-Punjab. But it's not the same quality.
“Yes, Virat and Rohit had a slightly longer break. But even for an active cricketer, if you've not played international cricket for a month, month and a half, a little more, I mean, you sometimes take a little longer. This is what we saw in the first half, first few balls, where there was a chance as well. But after that, that was sublime,” Aakash Chopra added.
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