Virat Kohli's records set to be broken; player chosen to create miracles

Former Team India opener Aakash Chopra opened up about the comparisons between Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill ahead of the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Chopra said that Gill can surpass Virat’s numbers if he gets the opportunity to play as many ODIs as the senior batter has played in his career.

India are preparing for their opening ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday. The squad has already assembled in the city. With Gill unavailable, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has been appointed captain for the three-game series starting on Sunday, November 30.

Shubman Gill Would Surpass Virat Kohli's Run Tally - Aakash Chopra

Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Shubman Gill has the potential to outscore Virat Kohli in ODIs. Chopra added that Gill may not get as many opportunities in today’s schedule-heavy era.

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“I feel that if Shubman Gill gets to play as many ODIs as Virat Kohli has, he would surpass Virat’s run tally. He may not get that many matches now, but given the opportunity, he would go past Virat,” Chopra said.

Aakash Chopra: “If Shubman Gill played as many ODIs as Virat Kohli, he will go ahead of him.” pic.twitter.com/lZoUHnQkXM

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) November 27, 2025

Virat Kohli has scored 14,255 runs in 305 ODI matches at an average of 57.71, with 51 centuries and 75 fifties to his name. In comparison, Shubman Gill has featured in 58 ODIs, scoring 2,818 runs at an average of 56.36, including eight centuries and 15 half-centuries.

Shubman Gill Won't Become the Prince of the King - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said that Shubman Gill can only earn big titles through consistent delivery in pressure situations. He recalled a Test in Birmingham where Gill scored 250 and 150 in the two innings. He pointed out that the knock came at a venue where India had never won.

“It takes time. If he can’t do it, he won’t become the prince or the king; forget even thinking about becoming an emperor. The effort will be there, and Indian cricket wants him to succeed because you need a steady hand, but that alone won’t make it happen," Chopra stated.

"We keep talking about him because scoring 450 runs in a single match is a clutch effort. In that Test in Birmingham, where India had never won before, and were coming off a loss. He made 250 in the first innings and 150 in the second. That’s 420 runs in one match, something no captain has ever done,” he added.

Shubman Gill Will Grow from Here - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra expressed optimism about Shubman Gill’s future. Chopra stated that Gill’s development will become clearer in the coming matches.

“The runs will come in context, that’s what I feel. I’m very hopeful. This story isn’t over; in fact, it has just begun now that he’s settled at number four and has been given the captaincy. I think he will grow from here. Let’s wait and watch.”

Gill has been ruled out of the series after suffering a neck injury during India’s first innings in the opening Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He faced only three deliveries before retiring hurt and took no further part in the match. The right-handed batter also missed the second Test.

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