Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has come out in support of Shubman Gill after the batter was left out of the Suryakumar Yadav-led T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Gill’s recent struggles in the shortest format were cited for his omission, even though many see him as India’s future all-format captain.
Irfan Pathan lauds Shubman Gill
Pathan praised Gill for gaining “more consistency and authority” in the team during his stint as India’s Test captain in England. He added that, despite constant comparisons with Virat Kohli, Gill can live up to the high expectations placed on him. Speaking on JioHotstar, Pathan also reflected on how Rahul Dravid helped guide him through the challenges of international cricket when he broke into the Indian team as a teenager.
“When I entered the Indian team at the age of 19, the great Rahul Dravid told me that you have come to the team, it is good, but things would get tougher from here," Pathan said.
India's 2007 World Cup-winning star reckons a similar phase of adjustment and development now awaits Gill, who has been entrusted with leadership responsibilities at a young age.
“The same can be said for Gill. He became captain in that England series; he increased his average and authority within the team. Then he got the ODI captaincy. When that happens, you get an opportunity to grow a lot," Pathan said.
Shubman Gill's ODIs in 2025
Gill started 2025 with a strong note in ODIs, showing consistency in India’s bilateral series and playing a key role for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The stylish batter finished the tournament with 188 runs, including a century against Bangladesh.
Pathan on Gill's comparison with Kohli
Gill's biggest moment of the year came during India's Test tour of England. He was handed over the Test captaincy as Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the longest format of the game before the series. The right-handed batter captained the side brilliantly, scoring 754 runs in five Tests at an impressive average of 75.4. His performances included four centuries, highlighted by a career-best 269, cementing his place as one of India’s most promising young leaders.
“He has a lot of talent. There will always be comparisons. Virat was compared with Sachin and now Gill is being compared to Virat, who has scored those 25000-30000 runs," Pathan said.
I think he is fully capable of it. He has a fine range of shots. The more responsibility and challenges he gets, he will grow as a cricketer. I have seen that he is always ready for cricket," Pathan added.
Shubman Gill's upcoming assignment
Shubman Gill will now be seen leading India in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to start from January 11.