Irfan Pathan Backs Shubman Gill, Highlights His Leadership Journey

Irfan Pathan has voiced his support for Shubman Gill, comparing the young cricketer's journey to his own experiences under Rahul Dravid's mentorship. Pathan highlights Gill's rapid rise in leadership roles and his impressive performances, particularly during his Test tour of England. Despite facing challenges in T20Is, Pathan believes that these experiences will only contribute to Gill's growth as a cricketer. This article delves into Pathan's insights on Gill's potential and the inevitable comparisons with other cricketing greats.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 02:12 IST

Irfan Pathan's Support for Shubman Gill

In a recent discussion, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed his endorsement for Shubman Gill, likening the young cricketer's development to the guidance he received from Rahul Dravid during his own entry into the national team.

During an appearance 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.

Reflecting on his own experience, Pathan recounted advice from Dravid when he joined the Indian squad at just 19 years old. Dravid warned him that while joining the team was an achievement, the challenges would only intensify. When Pathan inquired about handling tough situations, Dravid reassured him that he would adapt over time.

Pathan sees Gill undergoing a comparable learning experience, noting his swift ascent and the leadership roles he has taken on in various formats.

He remarked, "Gill's journey mirrors my own. He stepped up as captain during the England series, improving both his batting average and his influence within the team. His appointment as ODI captain further provides him with significant growth opportunities."

Gill kicked off the year strongly in ODI cricket, consistently performing well in bilateral series and playing a pivotal 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. With key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin absent, the young captain rose to the occasion, showcasing his skills.

Known as the "Prince" of Indian cricket, Gill 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-run innings.

Pathan also touched on the frequent comparisons faced by talented Indian batsmen, stating, "Gill possesses immense talent. Comparisons are inevitable; just as Virat was compared to Sachin Tendulkar, now Gill is being measured against Virat, who has amassed 25,000-30,000 runs. I believe Gill is more than capable of achieving similar feats, given his wide array of shots."

Despite a dip in form in T20Is, where he managed only 291 runs in 15 innings at an average slightly above 24 in 2025, leading to his exclusion from India's T20 World Cup squad, Pathan remains optimistic. He believes that facing challenges is essential for growth.

"The more responsibilities and challenges he encounters, the more he will evolve as a cricketer. I've observed that he is always eager to learn and ready for the game. He possesses the right attitude," Pathan concluded.