Shubman Gill has grown from a promising youngster into a leader shaping India’s Test cricket future. His rise as captain has been marked by composure, hunger, and historic milestones. With five Test centuries in 2025, Gill has equalled Virat Kohli’s record for most hundreds by an Indian captain in a calendar year.
Across seven Tests as captain, Gill averages 84.81 — second only to Don Bradman among leaders who have played at least seven matches. That number itself speaks volumes about his maturity and consistency. His performances have not only carried India’s batting but also signalled a new chapter in India’s leadership evolution.
As Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli begin to pass the baton, Gill represents the bridge between eras. His calm presence, solid technique, and hunger to perform in big matches have made him the perfect successor. Let’s look deeper into what makes Shubman Gill a special player, how he’s been groomed for leadership, and why he might be India’s next great Test captain.
How is Gill thriving as captain in the Test format?
When Shubman Gill took over India’s Test captaincy, expectations were high. Yet, few imagined he would adapt so naturally to the role. In 2025, he scored five Test hundreds — matching Virat Kohli’s peak years of 2017 and 2018. What’s more remarkable is the speed of his achievement. Gill reached this mark in just 12 innings as captain, faster than most modern leaders.
Among all Test captains, only Alastair Cook (nine innings) and Sunil Gavaskar (ten innings) achieved five hundreds faster. Even Don Bradman took the same number of matches — seven — as Gill to reach that milestone. His average of 84.81 as captain places him second only to Bradman’s 101.51, a statistic that underlines not just skill but mental control.
Gill’s leadership style mirrors his batting — steady, patient, and intelligent. He prefers reading conditions over reacting emotionally. His field placements show tactical precision, and his handling of bowlers, especially spinners, reflects deep understanding. Under his leadership, India’s young core — Jaiswal, Sudharsan, and Kranti Gaud — have all grown more confident.
This balance between personal form and team guidance defines his success. Gill hasn’t let captaincy weigh him down; instead, it has sharpened his focus.
Gill’s record-setting year as India’s Test captain
Below is a snapshot of Gill’s historic 2025 run as India’s Test leader.
Table: Shubman Gill’s Record-Breaking 2025 as Captain
| Player | Record | Comparison/Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | 5 Test hundreds as captain in 2025 (equalled Kohli) | Virat Kohli (5 in 2017 & 2018) |
| Shubman Gill | 84.81 average as captain (2nd highest after Bradman) | Don Bradman (101.51 avg as captain) |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 5 scores of 150+ before 24 (only Bradman had more) | Don Bradman (8 before 24) |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 7 hundreds before 24 (level with Graeme Smith) | Bradman (12), Tendulkar (11), Sobers (9) |
And here’s a simple visual comparison of Gill’s batting average as captain versus Bradman’s iconic figure.
Why is Gill a special player for modern Test cricket?
What sets Shubman Gill apart isn’t just his numbers — it’s his temperament. In an era dominated by T20 fireworks, he’s chosen the long format as his base. His ability to bat long hours and build innings patiently reflects rare discipline. He treats every Test like a challenge of endurance, not speed.
Gill’s calmness reminds many of Rahul Dravid, while his shot selection echoes Kohli’s precision. Yet, he’s uniquely his own player. He combines modern aggression with old-school patience. Even under pressure, his body language never changes — a trait that naturally inspires confidence in teammates.
His performance as captain also reveals his maturity. He doesn’t chase headlines; he builds partnerships. His strike rotation and decision-making between sessions show deep situational awareness. Test cricket rewards those who think two steps ahead, and Gill has shown exactly that quality.
In 2025, he’s not only scored runs but also led India to stability. His style brings balance between youthful energy and traditional Test temperament — something Indian cricket needed after the Kohli-Rohit phase.
How does Gill reflect the revival of classical Indian batting?
Gill’s batting is not about flashy boundaries but control and clarity. He wears down bowlers, values defence, and attacks when rhythm settles. That maturity, at just 26, makes him the foundation of India’s future.
He’s part of a generation that respects the game’s grind — proving that Test cricket still belongs to thinkers.
Groomed by Kohli and Rohit for leadership on big occasions
Gill’s leadership journey began under the mentorship of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both played a major role in shaping his mental framework. Kohli taught him the art of intensity — playing every ball with intent and fitness discipline. Rohit, on the other hand, helped him stay calm and patient, teaching him timing in leadership.
During overseas tours, Gill often observed how Kohli motivated bowlers between spells and how Rohit managed transitions between formats. Those experiences made him mentally prepared for pressure. Unlike many young captains, Gill doesn’t crumble under expectation.
In big moments — like this West Indies Test in Delhi — he looks relaxed but focused. His fifth century as captain came in a match where early wickets fell. Instead of rushing, he anchored India’s innings and guided the middle order. That’s the mark of a leader who thrives in responsibility, not runs away from it.
Gill’s calm authority ensures that younger players play with freedom. He allows mistakes, but not repetition — a hallmark of good leadership.
Gill’s maturity and team-first attitude make him India’s cornerstone
What stands out most about Shubman Gill is how selfless his approach has become. Even after big hundreds, he credits bowlers and support staff first. His growth is not just technical but emotional. He sees himself as part of a collective unit, not the hero at the centre.
When India bats deep, Gill rotates strike efficiently, setting up others like Jaiswal or Deepti Sharma to build momentum. That team-first mindset reflects in his decision-making, too. In Tests, where rhythm swings over five days, he brings calmness to chaos.
Gill’s adaptability also shines in his shot selection. Against fast bowlers, he stays compact; against spin, he uses his feet beautifully. His mental approach — “stay patient, stay positive” — has now become a team mantra.
He’s not just the captain India needed; he’s the captain India deserves. With WTC 2025 underway, his combination of maturity and aggression could guide India to another final.
Conclusion
Shubman Gill’s rise as India’s Test captain is both inspiring and strategic. He has proven that leadership in modern cricket isn’t about noise but balance. His records already place him alongside legends like Bradman and Kohli, but it’s his mindset that makes him extraordinary.
He blends discipline, hunger, and patience — qualities shaped by years under Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Now, he’s passing that energy to players like Jaiswal and Sudharsan. With five centuries and a captaincy average near 85, Gill isn’t just leading India — he’s redefining its Test identity.
The future of India’s red-ball cricket feels secure in his hands. His leadership, grounded in calm confidence, mirrors what Test cricket truly stands for — resilience, respect, and rhythm. As India’s journey continues, Shubman Gill’s captaincy looks set to become a benchmark for consistency and composure in the longest format.
