Shubman Gill Biography
Gill's interest in cricket was nurtured by his father, who would take him to the local cricket ground every day to watch the senior players practice. Gill was always fascinated by the sport and would spend hours watching and analyzing the players' techniques. He also started playing cricket with his father and friends, and soon developed a love for the game.
Table of Contents
- Early Life
- Career Beginnings
- India U-19
- IPL Career
- Domestic Cricket
- International Debut
- Playing Style
- Achievements
- Personal Life
- Income and Endorsements
Early Life
Shubman Gill was born on September 8, 1999, in Fazilka, a small town in the Indian state of Punjab. He grew up in a cricket-loving family and was introduced to the sport at a very young age. Gill's father, Lakhwinder Singh, was an amateur cricketer who played for the local club team, while his mother, Keerat Gill, was a homemaker.
Gill's father recognized his talent early on and decided to enroll him in the local cricket academy, where he could receive formal coaching and training. The academy was run by a former Punjab cricketer, Sukhwinder Singh, who saw potential in the young Gill and took him under his wing.
Under Singh's guidance, Gill started to develop his skills and technique as a batsman. He worked hard on his batting, spending countless hours in the nets and practicing his shots. Gill's hard work and dedication paid off, and he soon became one of the top performers in the academy.
As Gill's cricketing abilities improved, he started to attract the attention of local selectors and coaches. He was selected to represent Punjab in the under-16 category, where he made his mark as a promising young cricketer. Gill's performances in the under-16 team caught the eye of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), and he was soon selected to represent the state in the under-19 category.
Gill continued to excel in the under-19 category and was selected to represent North Zone in the inter-zonal under-19 tournament. He made his debut for the team in December 2016, and impressed with his performances. Gill finished as the team's top run-scorer with 351 runs in six matches, at an average of 50.14.
Gill's impressive performances in the under-19 category earned him a call-up to the India U-19 team. He made his debut for the team in a tri-series against England and Bangladesh in November 2017, and made an immediate impact. Gill scored a match-winning century in his second game for the team, and finished as the team's top run-scorer in the tournament with 278 runs in four matches.
Gill's performances for the India U-19 team caught the attention of scouts and coaches from the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 2018 IPL auction, Gill was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a base price of Rs. 20 lakhs ($27,000). This was a significant moment in Gill's career, as it gave him the opportunity to play alongside some of the best players in the world and showcase his skills on a global stage.
Career Beginnings
Shubman Gill's cricketing career began in his hometown of Fazilka, where he started playing cricket at a young age with his father and friends. Gill's talent for the sport was recognized early on by his father, who enrolled him in the local cricket academy for formal training and coaching.
Under the guidance of former Punjab cricketer Sukhwinder Singh, Gill started to develop his skills and technique as a batsman. He worked hard on his batting, spending countless hours in the nets and practicing his shots. Gill's hard work and dedication paid off, and he soon became one of the top performers in the academy.
Gill's performances in the local cricket circuit caught the attention of selectors and coaches, and he was soon selected to represent Punjab in the under-16 category. He made his debut for the team in 2014 and quickly established himself as one of the team's top performers. Gill scored 351 runs in six matches, at an average of 50.14, and helped his team reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Gill's performances in the under-16 category earned him a call-up to the Punjab under-19 team. He made his debut for the team in the 2016-17 season and quickly established himself as one of the team's top performers. Gill scored 629 runs in nine matches, at an average of 69.88, and helped his team reach the final of the tournament.
Gill's performances in the under-19 category caught the attention of scouts and coaches from the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). He was soon selected to represent North Zone in the inter-zonal under-19 tournament, where he made his debut in December 2016. Gill impressed with his performances, finishing as the team's top run-scorer with 351 runs in six matches, at an average of 50.14.
Gill's impressive performances in the inter-zonal tournament earned him a call-up to the India U-19 team.
India U-19
After making a mark in the local and state-level cricket, Shubman Gill went on to make his debut for the India U-19 team in November 2017. He was part of a tri-series that also involved England and Bangladesh. In his second match for the team, Gill announced his arrival with a match-winning century against England. He scored 104 runs off 94 balls and helped India chase down a target of 257 with seven wickets to spare. This innings was a glimpse of the talent and potential that Gill possessed as a young cricketer.
Gill continued to impress in the remainder of the tri-series, finishing as the team's top run-scorer with 278 runs in four matches, at an average of 69.50. He played a crucial role in India's victory over Bangladesh in the final, scoring 31 runs off 30 balls in a low-scoring match.
Gill's performances in the tri-series earned him a spot in the India U-19 squad for the 2018 World Cup, which was held in New Zealand. Gill was one of the key players for the team, batting at number three and anchoring the innings. He finished the tournament as the team's top run-scorer, with 372 runs in six matches, at an average of 124.00. Gill scored one century and three half-centuries in the tournament, and was named the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances.
Gill's century came in the quarter-final against Bangladesh, where he scored an unbeaten 102 off 94 balls to guide India to a comfortable win. This innings showcased Gill's temperament and ability to perform under pressure, as he batted through the innings and anchored the chase.
Gill's performances in the U-19 World Cup earned him praise from all quarters, with many experts and former cricketers tipping him for a bright future in the game. His success in the tournament also earned him a call-up to the India A team for a series against England Lions in early 2018.
Gill made his debut for the India A team in the first match of the series, and continued his impressive form with the bat. He scored 86 runs off 94 balls in the first innings, and followed it up with an unbeaten 90 off 59 balls in the second innings. Gill's innings helped India A chase down a target of 321 with ease, and he was named the Player of the Match for his efforts.
Gill's performances for the India U-19 and India A teams earned him a spot in the Indian team for the ODI series against New Zealand in early 2019. He made his debut in the second ODI of the series, and scored 9 runs off 21 balls in a rain-affected match. Although he didn't get a chance to bat in the remainder of the series, Gill was included in the squad for the T20I series that followed.
Gill made his T20I debut in the second match of the series, and scored an unbeaten 9 off 5 balls to help India chase down a target of 159 with seven wickets to spare. He was included in the Indian squad for the 2019 ODI World Cup, but didn't get a chance to play in the tournament.
Gill's performances for the India U-19 and India A teams, along with his brief international appearances, established him as one of the most promising young cricketers in the country. His ability to bat with maturity and composure, combined with his natural talent and technique, made him a player to watch out for in the coming years.
IPL Career
Shubman Gill made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2018, and has since become one of the key players for the team. Gill's first season in the IPL was a learning experience for the young batsman, as he played only five matches and scored 203 runs at an average of 33.83.
In the 2019 season, Gill cemented his place in the KKR playing XI, and played a crucial role in the team's campaign. He scored 296 runs in 14 matches, at an average of 32.88, and was one of the team's top run-scorers for the season. Gill's standout performance came against Kings XI Punjab, where he scored an unbeaten 65 off 49 balls to help KKR chase down a target of 184 with ease.
Gill's performances in the 2019 season earned him praise from KKR captain Dinesh Karthik, who hailed the young batsman as a "special talent". Karthik also praised Gill's ability to play different roles in the team, including opening the innings and batting in the middle order.
In the 2020 season, Gill continued his good form with the bat, and finished the season as KKR's top run-scorer. He scored 440 runs in 14 matches, at an average of 33.84, and was the only KKR batsman to score a half-century in the tournament. Gill's best performance in the season came against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he scored an unbeaten 70 off 62 balls to help KKR chase down a target of 143 with ease.
Gill's performances in the IPL have earned him praise from several former cricketers and experts, who have hailed him as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket. His ability to play with maturity and composure, combined with his natural talent and technique, has made him a valuable asset for KKR.
Apart from his batting, Gill has also been impressive in the field, and has taken some stunning catches in the IPL. He is known for his athleticism and agility, and has often been seen diving and leaping to take catches that many fielders would have found difficult.
Gill's success in the IPL has also earned him recognition in the national team, and he has been a regular member of the Indian squad in recent years. His performances in the IPL have helped him gain confidence and experience, and have prepared him for the challenges of international cricket.
Gill's success in the IPL has also brought him under the spotlight of several IPL franchises, who have shown interest in signing him for the upcoming seasons. However, KKR has retained him for the 2021 season, and the team management is confident that he will continue to play a key role for the team.
In conclusion, Shubman Gill's IPL career has been nothing short of impressive, as he has established himself as one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket. His ability to play with maturity and composure, combined with his natural talent and technique, has made him a valuable asset for KKR, and has earned him recognition in the national team. Gill's success in the IPL has also prepared him for the challenges of international cricket, and he is expected to be a key player for India in the coming years.
Domestic Cricket
Shubman Gill's domestic cricket career has been equally impressive, as he has been a consistent performer for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments. Gill made his Ranji Trophy debut for Punjab in the 2017-18 season, and made an immediate impact with his performances.
In his debut season, Gill scored 635 runs in five matches, at an average of 79.37, and was one of the leading run-scorers of the tournament. He scored two centuries and three half-centuries, and helped Punjab reach the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Gill's performances in the Ranji Trophy earned him a place in the India A team, where he continued to impress with his batting. He scored 204 runs in two matches against South Africa A, including a century in the second match, and was named the Player of the Series.
Gill's success in domestic cricket also earned him a call-up to the national team, as he was selected for the Test series against Australia in 2018-19. He made his Test debut in the series, and scored 45 runs in his first innings, showing his ability to adapt to different conditions and levels of cricket.
In the 2018-19 season, Gill also played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the domestic one-day competition in India. He scored 418 runs in six matches, at an average of 83.60, and was one of the leading run-scorers of the tournament. Gill scored two centuries and two half-centuries, and helped Punjab reach the semifinals of the tournament.
Gill's performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy earned him a call-up to the India A team for the quadrangular series in India, where he continued to impress with his batting. He scored 218 runs in four matches, including a century in the final against Australia A, and was named the Player of the Series.
In the 2019-20 season, Gill continued his good form in domestic cricket, and scored 728 runs in 10 matches in the Ranji Trophy. He scored two centuries and three half-centuries, and helped Punjab reach the semifinals of the tournament.
Gill's performances in domestic cricket have earned him praise from several former cricketers and experts, who have hailed him as one of the most promising young batsmen in Indian cricket. His ability to score runs consistently in different formats of the game, combined with his natural talent and technique, has made him a valuable asset for Punjab and India A.
Apart from his batting, Gill has also been impressive in the field, and has taken some stunning catches in domestic cricket. He is known for his athleticism and agility, and has often been seen diving and leaping to take catches that many fielders would have found difficult.
Gill's success in domestic cricket has also prepared him for the challenges of international cricket, and has helped him gain confidence and experience. His performances in domestic cricket have shown that he is capable of playing at the highest level, and have earned him a place in the Indian team.
In conclusion, Shubman Gill's domestic cricket career has been nothing short of impressive, as he has established himself as one of the most promising young batsmen in Indian cricket. His ability to score runs consistently in different formats of the game, combined with his natural talent and technique, has made him a valuable asset for Punjab and India A. Gill's success in domestic cricket has also prepared him for the challenges of international cricket, and he is expected to be a key player for India in the coming years.
International Debut
Shubman Gill made his international debut for India in the ODI series against New Zealand in January 2019. Although he did not have the best start to his international career, he showed glimpses of his talent and potential, and was praised for his technique and temperament.
Gill's international debut came in the second ODI of the series, which was played at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. He was included in the playing XI in place of the injured KL Rahul, and was given the opportunity to open the batting alongside fellow debutant, Khaleel Ahmed.
Gill did not have the best start to his international career, as he was dismissed for nine runs in his first innings. He was caught behind off the bowling of Lockie Ferguson, and looked uncomfortable against the pace and bounce of the New Zealand bowlers.
However, Gill showed glimpses of his talent and potential in his second innings, which was played in the fourth ODI of the series. He scored 7 runs off 13 balls, before being dismissed by Ish Sodhi, but showed good technique and temperament in his brief stay at the crease.
Gill's performance in the ODI series was not enough to earn him a place in the Indian team for the 2019 World Cup, but he continued to work hard on his game and was rewarded with a place in the Test squad for the tour of West Indies later that year.
Gill made his Test debut in the second Test of the series, which was played at the Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. He was included in the playing XI in place of the injured Prithvi Shaw, and was given the opportunity to open the batting alongside Mayank Agarwal.
Gill did not have the best start to his Test career, as he was dismissed for 0 in his first innings. He was caught behind off the bowling of Kemar Roach, and looked nervous and unsure against the pace and swing of the West Indies bowlers.
However, Gill showed his class and potential in his second innings, where he scored 45 runs off 65 balls. He showed good technique and temperament, and played some impressive shots against the West Indies bowlers. Gill shared a crucial partnership with Ajinkya Rahane, and helped India win the Test by 257 runs.
Gill's performance in the Test series earned him praise from several former cricketers and experts, who hailed him as a future star of Indian cricket. His ability to adapt to different conditions and levels of cricket, combined with his natural talent and technique, has made him a valuable asset for the Indian team.
Gill's next international assignment was the ODI series against Australia in January 2020, where he was given another opportunity to showcase his talent and potential. Gill played in the second and third ODI of the series, and showed his class and composure with the bat.
In the second ODI, which was played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, Gill scored 33 runs off 39 balls, before being dismissed by Adam Zampa. He played some impressive shots and showed good technique against the Australian bowlers, and was praised for his composure under pressure.
In the third ODI, which was played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Gill scored 15 runs off 23 balls, before being dismissed by Ashton Agar. He played some good shots and looked comfortable at the crease, but was unable to convert his start into a big score.
Gill's performance in the ODI series against Australia was not enough to earn him a place in the Indian team for the subsequent Test series, but he continued to work hard on his game and was rewarded with a place in the Test
Playing Style
Shubman Gill is a top-order batsman who is known for his elegant strokeplay and impeccable technique. He is a natural stroke-maker who combines classical technique with modern flair, and is equally comfortable playing both pace and spin.
Gill is predominantly a back-foot player who likes to play the ball late and with soft hands. He has a strong bottom hand grip, which allows him to generate power and hit the ball with authority. He is particularly strong through the off-side, and is known for his beautiful cover drives and square cuts.
Gill is also a good player of spin, and is not afraid to use his feet to get to the pitch of the ball. He has a good sense of timing and placement, and is able to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking.
One of Gill's biggest strengths is his ability to adapt to different conditions and situations. He is a quick learner who is always looking to improve his game, and is able to adjust his technique and mindset accordingly.
In Test cricket, Gill is a patient and composed batsman who is able to bat for long periods of time. He has a solid defence and is able to play the waiting game, before capitalizing on loose balls and scoring runs quickly.
In limited-overs cricket, Gill is a more aggressive batsman who likes to take on the bowlers and score runs quickly. He is able to play both the anchor role and the aggressor role, depending on the situation and the match situation.
Gill is also a good fielder, who is known for his agility and athleticism. He is a natural athlete who has excellent reflexes and a good throwing arm, and is able to save crucial runs and take important catches in the field.
Overall, Shubman Gill is a talented and versatile batsman who has the potential to become a world-class player. His natural talent, combined with his strong work ethic and willingness to learn, make him a valuable asset for the Indian team. If he continues to work hard on his game and maintain his focus and discipline, he is sure to achieve great success at the international level.
Achievements
Shubman Gill, despite being just 22 years old, has already achieved a lot in his young career. He has been a part of several successful teams and has also received numerous individual awards and accolades. Let's take a look at some of his most significant achievements:
World Cup win with India U-19 team: In 2018, Shubman Gill was a part of the India U-19 team that won the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup. Gill was the team's leading run-scorer in the tournament, scoring 372 runs in six matches at an average of 124.00, including a century in the final against Australia.
IPL success with Kolkata Knight Riders: Gill has been a consistent performer for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 2018, he made his IPL debut for KKR and played a crucial role in their run to the playoffs, scoring 203 runs in 13 matches at an average of 33.83. He followed that up with an even better season in 2019, scoring 296 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.88 and a strike rate of 124.15.
First Test fifty: In his debut Test match against Australia in December 2020, Gill scored an impressive 45 in the second innings, which helped India chase down a target of 70 runs and win the match. This was his first Test fifty and showed that he has the ability to perform under pressure.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy win: Gill was a part of the Indian team that won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia in 2020-21. He played a crucial role in the series, scoring 259 runs in three matches at an average of 51.80, including a career-best 91 in the fourth Test in Brisbane. His performances earned him the Player of the Series award, and he became the youngest Indian opener to score a fifty in Australia.
Emerging Player of the Year: Gill was named the Emerging Player of the Year at the 2021 ICC Awards. This award recognized his impressive performances in his debut year in international cricket, where he scored 378 runs in seven Tests at an average of 34.36.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win: Gill was a part of the Punjab team that won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2021. He was the team's leading run-scorer in the tournament, scoring 328 runs in eight matches at an average of 54.66 and a strike rate of 146.65. His performances helped Punjab win the tournament for the first time in their history.
Vijay Hazare Trophy success: In the 2021-22 season, Gill was the captain of the Punjab team that won the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He led from the front, scoring 466 runs in eight matches at an average of 66.57 and a strike rate of 100.86. He was also named the Player of the Tournament for his performances.
Overall, Shubman Gill has already achieved a lot in his young career, and he has the potential to achieve much more in the future. His consistent performances across formats and his ability to perform under pressure have earned him the respect of his teammates, opponents, and fans alike. If he continues to work hard on his game and maintain his focus and discipline, he is sure to achieve great success in the years to come.
Personal Life
Shubman Gill was born on September 8, 1999, in Fazilka, Punjab, India. He grew up in a cricket-loving family, with his father Lakhwinder Singh being a businessman and his mother Keerat Kaur being a homemaker. Gill has a younger sister, Shahneel Kaur, who is also a cricket enthusiast.
Gill started playing cricket at a very young age and was trained by his father and grandfather. He was initially a wicket-keeper batsman but later switched to being a top-order batsman. He attended the Mohali Cricket Academy, where he received professional coaching and developed his skills.
Gill is known to be a private person and prefers to keep his personal life away from the public eye. He has not shared much about his family or relationships, and there have been no rumors of him dating anyone. Gill is focused on his cricket career and spends most of his time practicing and training.
Outside of cricket, Gill enjoys listening to music and watching movies. He is a fan of Punjabi music and has shared his playlist on social media. He is also a fitness enthusiast and regularly works out to maintain his physique.
Gill is known for his calm and composed demeanor on the field, and this is reflected in his personality off the field as well. He is a humble and grounded individual who is respected by his teammates and opponents alike. He has often spoken about the importance of hard work and discipline in his life and credits his success to his dedication and commitment.
Gill is also involved in philanthropic activities and has been a part of several charitable initiatives. He has donated money to help the underprivileged and has also been involved in campaigns to raise awareness about social issues.
Overall, Shubman Gill's personal life is largely private, and he prefers to focus on his cricket career. However, he is known to be a humble and grounded individual who values hard work and discipline. His dedication to his sport and his commitment to social causes have earned him the respect of his fans and peers, and he is sure to continue making a positive impact both on and off the field.
Income and Endorsements
Shubman Gill's income primarily comes from his contracts with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is also signed with sports management agency Cornerstone, which manages his commercial deals and brand endorsements.
As of 2022, Gill's annual retainer fee from the BCCI is Rs. 1 crore ($133,000 USD). In addition to this, he also earns match fees and bonuses for every international match he plays. The exact amount varies depending on the format and venue of the match. He also receives a salary from the KKR franchise for his participation in the IPL. For the 2021 season, he was paid Rs. 1.8 crore ($240,000 USD) by the franchise.
Endorsements: Gill's rising popularity as a young cricketer has made him a sought-after choice for brand endorsements. He has already signed deals with several well-known brands across various categories, including sports gear, beverages, and personal care.
One of his biggest endorsement deals is with Puma, the German sportswear brand. He signed a multi-year deal with the brand in 2020, becoming one of their key ambassadors in India. As part of the deal, he wears Puma gear on the field and also appears in their advertising campaigns. The exact value of the deal has not been disclosed, but it is rumored to be worth several crores.
In addition to Puma, Gill has also been signed by other well-known brands such as Hero MotoCorp, Coca-Cola, and JBL. He has appeared in advertising campaigns for these brands and has also shared social media posts promoting their products.
Gill's popularity on social media has also made him an attractive option for digital brands. He has partnered with companies such as Cred and Dream11 for social media campaigns, leveraging his large following on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
Overall, Shubman Gill's income and endorsement deals reflect his status as a rising star in Indian cricket. With his impressive performances on the field and his growing popularity off the field, he is sure to attract more lucrative deals in the years to come. As he continues to establish himself as a key player in the Indian cricket team, his brand value is only likely to increase, making him one of the most valuable assets in Indian sports.