Shubman Gill's elegant batting style and recent performances have drawn comparisons to some of the greats of the game, with one former England cricketer drawing a parallel to a legendary Indian batter. David Lloyd, the former England player, likened Gill's batting style to that of Mohammad Azharuddin.
Gill's impressive performances have solidified his position as a key player for India across all formats of the game. Known for his elegant and classy batting style, Gill has garnered fans around the world. He is currently the captain of the India Test team, the vice-captain of the ODI side, and has previously captained the T20I team. His domestic cricket career includes representing Punjab and captaining the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Gill's international debut came in January 2019 against New Zealand. Since then, he has achieved several milestones, including becoming the fastest player to reach 2000 runs in ODIs in just 38 innings. He also holds the record for the highest individual score by an Indian batsman in T20Is. In July 2025, Gill became only the second Indian captain to score centuries in both the first and second Tests in England.
His recent form has been particularly impressive. In the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Gill played a masterful captain's knock, scoring an unbeaten 114 and leading India to 310/5 at stumps on the first day. This was his second century of the series. His innings showcased exceptional leadership under pressure, especially after India had suffered early setbacks. Gill absorbed the pressure, built crucial partnerships with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja, and led from the front after a mini-collapse.
While Gill's batting has been widely praised, his captaincy has also been a subject of discussion. After the first Test against England in Leeds, David Lloyd described Gill's captaincy as "reactive rather than proactive". Alastair Cook, another former England captain, offered a more sympathetic view, comparing Gill's early days as captain to Ben Stokes' initial phase as England's Test captain, noting that there is always an adjustment period when a new leader takes over.
Despite the debate around his captaincy, Gill's individual performance and batting prowess remain undeniable. His ability to score runs consistently, coupled with his elegant strokeplay, has drawn comparisons to Virat Kohli. Some have noted that Gill, like Kohli, avoids unnecessary risks and waits for the bowler to make mistakes. Gill's wide array of shots and his aggressive yet controlled approach make him a dangerous batsman in Test cricket. He is known for dispatching loose deliveries with disdain while remaining solid in defense.
Shubman Gill's journey in international cricket has been marked by consistent performances and remarkable achievements. As he continues to evolve as a player and a leader, his elegant batting style and relaxed mannerisms are sure to remind fans and experts alike of the legendary Mohammad Azharuddin.