Shubman Gill Captaincy Magic: India’s Run Machine in 2025

Thrown into the deep end of captaincy, Shubman Gill faced intense scrutiny when he was named India’s Test captain. At just 26, many questioned whether he was ready to inherit the role after Rohit Sharma and follow in Virat Kohli’s footsteps at No. 4.

Despite early doubts, the captaincy magic seems to have propelled Gill into a new era of dominance. In 2025 alone, he has amassed 966 runs, including five centuries — the most by any player in their first year of captaincy. This mirrors Kohli’s transformative journey, where leadership and batting prowess merged seamlessly.

Gill’s early career was impressive but inconsistent. Between 2021 and 2024, his performances ranged from 178 runs in three matches to 866 runs in 12 matches, with multiple hundreds and fifties. Yet, it was his appointment as captain that unlocked a new level of consistency and authority.

Baptism by Fire
Gill’s first assignment was a challenging Test series against England, famously known for its aggressive Bazball approach. Despite the pressure, he scored 754 runs, including a double hundred and three centuries, establishing himself as the top run-scorer in the WTC 2025-27 cycle with 933 runs. Former opener Gautam Gambhir described Gill’s captaincy debut as a “deep sea” — he either had to drown or swim — and Gill swam with authority.

Separating Batting from Captaincy
One of Gill’s key strengths is his ability to separate his batting role from captaincy responsibilities. “When I am out there batting, I want to play as a batter,” he noted after an IPL match. Analysts like Daren Ganga and legends like Anil Kumble have praised his composure, decision-making, and conversion rate, noting that Gill ensures his personal performance doesn’t interfere with his leadership.

On-field Partnerships and Tactical Acumen
Gill has been effective in building partnerships, working with players like Jaiswal, Nitish, and Jurel. His bowling and fielding decisions have also contributed to India’s dominance, exemplified in the Delhi Test. Teammates like Ravindra Jadeja have acknowledged the positive impact of his captaincy on team morale and individual performance.

The Kohli Comparison
Gill’s journey draws parallels with Virat Kohli’s rise as a captain-batter. Like Kohli, he combines class, elegance, and mental toughness with strategic acumen, transforming India’s batting depth and inspiring the younger generation. With consistent runs and mature leadership, Gill appears poised to lead India’s cricketing future for years to come.