Shubman Gill Credits Tendulkar, Kohli for Inspiring Cricket Journey

New Delhi, Sept 12 : Indian Test skipper Shubman Gill has credited cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli as his biggest inspirations, saying their influence has shaped his approach to the game and driven his hunger for success.

Speaking on the Apple Music Podcast, Gill reflected on his early cricketing journey, from his training days in Punjab to his recent leadership role in India’s five-match Test series against England. India scripted a historic win at Birmingham in the series, which ended 2-2.

“It was a grueling battle of both teams giving each other hard punches. To come out on top at Birmingham, where India had never won before, felt pretty amazing,” Gill said, recalling the Test victory.

The young opener credited his father, Lakhwinder Singh, as his first coach. “I started batting at the age of three. My father made me face 500–700 balls a day, sometimes with farm workers bowling, who got small rewards if they dismissed me,” Gill recalled.

He said one childhood innings proved decisive in his career choice. “At about 11, I was asked to bat against under-23 fast bowlers. I scored 90 not out, and that was the day I knew this was my destiny,” Gill said.

On his idols, Gill revealed, “My first idol was Sachin Tendulkar. He was my dad’s favorite, and I got into cricket because of him. Around 2011–2013, I began following Virat Kohli closely. His passion, discipline, and hunger stood out. Skills can be learned, but hunger is something you either have or don’t. Virat had it in abundance, and that inspired me.”

Gill also shared how shifting from Fazilka to Chandigarh at the age of seven opened doors for his career. “Back in the village, there were limited facilities. Moving to Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab, gave me access to academies and opportunities that truly kick-started my cricketing journey,” he said.

With his steady rise across formats, Gill now hopes to inspire the next generation, just as Tendulkar and Kohli inspired him.