Shubman Gill's journey to becoming India's Test captain is a story of talent, hard work, and family sacrifices. But, a key chapter in this story involves former Indian pacer Karsan Ghavri, who recognized Gill's potential early on and played a significant role in nurturing his talent.

Ghavri's initial encounter with Gill occurred during a pace bowlers' camp organized by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) in 2009-10. Ghavri, overseeing the camp, noticed the absence of batsmen for the bowlers to practice against. While good batters were arranged, an interesting incident unfolded during a drizzly day. As the team of coaches took a walk around, Ghavri's attention was captivated by a young boy batting in a nearby match. Despite the drizzle and wet pitch, the boy's technique and shot selection stood out.

Intrigued, Ghavri discovered that the boy was Shubman Gill, then just 12 years old. Gill's father, Lakhwinder, had brought him to the ground, and Ghavri immediately recognized the "special talent" in the young boy. Impressed by what he saw, Ghavri invited Shubman to face the older, U-19 bowlers at the PCA nets the following day. Ghavri wanted to test Gill's abilities against the likes of Sandeep Sharma and Baltej Singh. Gill not only held his own but also impressed Ghavri with his skill and composure.

Recognizing Gill's exceptional talent, Ghavri ensured that the PCA provided him with the necessary support and opportunities. He asked Sushil Kapoor, the academy's administrative manager, to include Gill in the U-14 squad for Punjab. Gill's performances in age-group cricket further solidified his potential, paving the way for his rise through the ranks. Gill's elegant strokeplay and refined technique have caught the attention of fans and experts alike, and with each passing innings, he seems to be cementing his place as a long-term leader in India's red-ball future.

In December 2024, when Gill was facing challenges in form and consistency, Ghavri stood by his ward, offering guidance and encouragement. Ghavri advised Gill to focus on occupying the crease, adapting to different conditions, and learning from his mistakes. He also suggested seeking mentorship from legends like Rahul Dravid or Sunil Gavaskar to navigate the challenges of a cricketer's career.

Now, in July 2025, Gill is the Test captain, and Ghavri is among those praising Gill. Ghavri has even drawn comparisons between Gill and legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Amitabh Bachchan, highlighting Gill's humility, calmness, focus, and immense skill. Ghavri believes that Gill has the potential to break many records if he continues on his current path.

Gill's story is a testament to the impact of good coaching and mentorship in shaping a young talent. Karsan Ghavri's keen eye and timely intervention played a crucial role in Gill's journey from a promising youngster to the captain of the Indian Test team.