Irfan Pathan Backs Shubman Gill's Journey in Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has voiced his support for Shubman Gill, comparing his journey to the early guidance he received from Rahul Dravid. Pathan highlights how responsibility shapes elite athletes and believes Gill is on a promising path. With impressive performances in ODIs and a record-breaking Test tour in England, Gill is emerging as a key player for India. Pathan also addresses the inevitable comparisons with cricket legends, emphasizing Gill's potential for greatness. Despite facing challenges in T20Is, Pathan remains optimistic about Gill's growth as a cricketer.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 1, 2026, 23:53 IST

Pathan's Support for Gill

Irfan Pathan, a former all-rounder for India, has expressed his support for Shubman Gill, likening the young cricketer's development to the early guidance he received from Rahul Dravid when he first joined the Indian team. During a discussion on JioHotstar, Pathan emphasized how the weight of responsibility can mold elite athletes, suggesting that Gill is on a similar trajectory as some of India's cricketing legends.

Lessons from Rahul Dravid

Reflecting on his own experience, Pathan shared, "When I joined the Indian team at 19, Rahul Dravid advised me that while joining the team was a significant achievement, the real challenges would begin thereafter. I inquired about how to handle tough situations, and he reassured me that I would adapt to them."

Gill's Rapid Ascent

Pathan noted that Gill is experiencing a similar learning curve, having quickly ascended the ranks and taken on leadership roles in various formats. He remarked, "Gill's captaincy during the England series showcased his growth, as he improved both his batting average and his influence within the team. His appointment as ODI captain further provides him with opportunities for significant development."

Gill's Impressive ODI Performance

Shubman Gill started the year strongly in ODI cricket, consistently performing well in bilateral series and playing a crucial role in India's ICC Champions Trophy victory, where he scored 188 runs, including a century against Bangladesh. However, it was during his inaugural Test tour of England that Gill truly established himself as a formidable leader and batsman.

Gill's Record-Breaking England Tour

With key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin absent, the young Test captain Gill rose to the occasion. Known as the "Prince" of Indian cricket, he had a record-breaking tour in England, accumulating 754 runs across five Tests at an impressive average of 75.40, which included four centuries and a remarkable 269.

Comparisons with Cricket Legends

Pathan also discussed the frequent comparisons that arise with talented Indian batsmen. He stated, "Gill possesses immense talent, and comparisons are inevitable. Just as Virat was compared to Sachin Tendulkar, now Gill is being compared to Virat, who has amassed 25,000-30,000 runs. I believe he has the potential to achieve similar feats, given his impressive range of shots."

Facing Challenges for Development

Gill faced some challenges in T20Is, where he struggled with consistency, scoring 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of just over 24 in 2025, which ultimately led to his exclusion from India's T20 World Cup squad. Pathan emphasized that facing challenges is essential for growth, stating, "The more responsibilities and challenges he encounters, the more he will evolve as a cricketer. He is always eager to learn and has the right attitude towards the game."