Overview:
Shubman Gill is likely to make his comeback to India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series, playing alongside Virat Kohli.
Shubman Gill’s role in Indian cricket has grown significantly over the past year, culminating in his promotion to captaincy in both Test and ODI cricket in 2025. The decision reflected the selectors’ confidence in his leadership, temperament, and long-term vision for the team. More than just a top-order batter, Gill is now viewed as a central figure in India’s next phase. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from the longest format, he has been tasked with leading the transition and handling greater responsibilities both on and off the field.
Gill’s rise represents a significant shift in India’s leadership, combining the energy of youth with the experience of seasoned players as the team plans for challenges across all formats. His batting and approach have often invited comparisons with former captain Virat Kohli, who remained a global cricket icon for more than a decade. While Gill is still developing that level of influence, his intensity and composure at the crease draw parallels with Kohli.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan commented on the frequent comparisons surrounding Shubman Gill, expressing confidence in the youngster’s ability to cope with the attention. Pathan noted that such comparisons reflect both talent and responsibility, and he backed Gill to continue growing as he faces higher expectations and tougher challenges.
“Gill is extremely talented, and comparisons are inevitable. Just as Virat was compared to Sachin, now Gill is being measured against Virat, who has amassed 25,000–30,000 runs. I believe he is more than capable. He has a great range of shots, and the more responsibilities and challenges he takes on, the more he will grow as a cricketer. I’ve seen that he is always ready for the game,” Pathan said on Star Sports.
Shubman Gill is likely to make his comeback to India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series, playing alongside Virat Kohli. Missing out on the T20 World Cup makes these ODIs particularly important, offering him a chance to prove his worth in the 50-over format and solidify his place in the national team.