In India, batting legends have been passing the baton down from one generation to the next for years. With Virat Kohli’s supremacy in the 2010s and Sachin Tendulkar’s career that shaped the 1990s and 2000s, Indian cricket fans are now looking to the future. And what’s the first name on the list? Shubman Gill.
At just 25, Shubman Gill is already being touted as the heir to India’s batting throne. But with the weight of comparisons and the challenge of succeeding legends like Tendulkar and Kohli, can Gill live up to the hype—especially at the important No. 4 position?
The Legacy of No. 4: Tendulkar to Kohli
- Sachin Tendulkar’s career flourished primarily at No. 4 in ODIs. He made it a position of reliability and genius. From 1995 to 2011, he was India’s mainstay—accumulating runs with poetic grace.
- Tendulkar was replaced by Virat Kohli. In times of need, Kohli has been India’s most reliable middle-order batsman, although playing the most of his ODI career at number three. His hunger for runs or consistency and chase-master tag made him the closest thing to Tendulkar’s legacy.
Shubman Gill: A Modern Marvel
Born in 1999, Shubman Gill earned fame as the 2018 U-19 World Cup’s Player of the Tournament. Since then, he has progressively improved, displaying calmness or timing and footwork that many compared to Kohli’s early days.
Gill has started to contribute significantly in Test matches or ODIs and even T20s. Can he, yet secure the fourth position?
Shubman Gill vs Virat Kohli: A Valid Comparison?
While it’s unfair to compare a young cricketer with an established legend, the Shubman Gill vs Virat Kohli debate is inevitable. After all, Kohli became a giant by age 25 and Gill is now walking a similar path.
| Stat Category | Shubman Gill (as of 2025) | Virat Kohli (at same age) |
| ODI Average | 61.0 | 50.0 |
| ODI Hundreds | 9 | 8 |
| Test Average | 48.0 | 45.0 |
| Strike Rate (ODIs) | 105.0 | 88.0 |
Shubman Gill stats show he is not just promising, but already elite in the 50-over format. His ODI double century against New Zealand and consistent IPL performances further prove his class.
Yet, Kohli’s intensity or chase mentality and finishing skills are unmatched. Gill, calm and composed, may not mirror Kohli’s aggression, but his consistency and technique set him apart.
The X-Factor: Temperament
Sachin Tendulkar’s skill to survive pressure was an important factor that contributed to his successful career. Fire and energy were brought by Kohli, who was prepared to challenge the opponents.
Gill’s approach is different—cool or calculated and clinical. His innings aren’t about dominance, but about control. His temperament will be vital if he is to succeed at No. 4, a spot that demands flexibility or mental toughness and adaptability.
Recent Highlights: The Rise of a Leader
- Scored over 1200 ODI runs, including 3 centuries.
- Taken over as Gujarat Titans’ IPL captain, showcasing leadership qualities.
- Former cricket players Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar were kind to him, referring to him as “India’s future.”
The selectors and team management clearly see Gill as part of India’s long-term core—possibly even the next all-format captain.
Can He Be India’s Next Icon?
The path to becoming a cricketing icon isn’t just about runs. It’s about impact, timing, match-winning abilities and how one performs under pressure. While Gill has had a solid start, he still needs defining moments—match-winning centuries in World Cups or overseas Test wins and pressure-laden knocks.
But everything about Gill—his mindset, technique or stats and approach—suggests that he is built for greatness.
Expert Opinions
- Ravi Shastri: “Gill has the best technique among India’s young players. If handled well, he can dominate for a decade.”
- Michael Vaughan: “He reminds me of a young Joe Root mixed with Kohli. His balance is world-class.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Shubman Gill’s batting average in ODIs?
As of mid-2025, Shubman Gill averages 61.0 in ODIs, with 9 centuries and a double hundred to his name.
Q2: Has Shubman Gill played at No. 4 for India?
While Gill has mostly opened the innings, the Indian team has been experimenting with him at No. 3 and No. 4 in ODIs and T20Is to strengthen the middle order.
Q3: How does Shubman Gill compare to Virat Kohli?
Statistically, Shubman Gill vs Virat Kohli is a close battle when comparing early career numbers. Gill has a better strike rate and average at the same age but lacks Kohli’s big-match credentials (for now).
Q4: What made Sachin Tendulkar’s career special at No. 4?
Sachin Tendulkar’s career was defined by consistency or adaptability and big innings at important moments. No. 4 was where he often held the innings together, especially during the 1996 or 2003 and 2011 World Cups.
Q5: Is Shubman Gill the future captain of India?
While no official statement has been made, Shubman Gill is being groomed as a potential future captain, especially given his IPL captaincy and calm leadership style.
Conclusion
Batting legends have always existed in Indian cricket, from Tendulkar to Kohli. It takes years of constant genius or mental toughness and big-match effect to create an icon, though.
Shubman Gill has all the tools. Depends on how he adjusts and how India uses him, he might be the next big thing at No. 4. But it is clear that the Punjabi lad is not only rapping on the door. He’s prepared to break it.
