Shubman Gill Reflects on a Pivotal 2025 as He Looks Ahead to 2026

Shubman Gill, the captain of India's Test and ODI teams, expressed gratitude for the lessons, experiences, and memories from the significant year of 2025 as he anticipates the upcoming year. In a video reel shared on his official Instagram account, Gill stated, '2025 was truly special for me. I am thankful for the numerous lessons, experiences, and memories that I will carry into 2026.'

 

At just 26 years old, Gill's year was filled with ups and downs. Despite being the vice-captain, he faced a setback when he was dropped from the T20I team due to a series of poor performances, which also led to his exclusion from the T20 World Cup—a pivotal moment in his career. In T20 international cricket, he struggled significantly, scoring only 291 runs in 15 innings without a single half-century, resulting in an average of just over 24.

 

However, Gill's performance in T20 internationals was in stark contrast to his achievements in 2025. The right-handed batsman excelled in Test cricket, particularly during the tour of England, where he delivered one of the most remarkable batting displays by an Indian in foreign conditions. Over five Test matches, he amassed 754 runs at an impressive average of 75.40, including four centuries and a career-best score of 269. This remarkable run helped him break several records, creating achievements that could fill an entire chapter in cricket history.

 

In Tests, he scored 983 runs at an average of 70.21 across nine matches, featuring five centuries and one half-century. In 11 ODIs, he accumulated 490 runs at an average of 49.00, which included two centuries and two half-centuries. The T20 format remained his only area of struggle, where he managed just 291 runs in 15 innings without any half-centuries, maintaining an average slightly above 24.

 

This year became even more significant for him as he took on the captaincy in Tests and ODIs. He led India to a thrilling 2-2 draw in a closely contested series in England, one of the finest Test series in recent memory. Gill also had a stellar start in ODIs, showcasing exceptional performances in bilateral series and playing a crucial role in India's ICC Champions Trophy victory, scoring 188 runs, which included a century against Bangladesh.