As Shubman Gill prepares to step onto the field for the first ODI against Australia at the PCA stadium in Mohali, emotions run high. This match marks a significant moment for him as it’s the first time he’ll represent India at his home venue. While some may wonder if Gill would be sentimental about the occasion, his close friend and Punjab teammate Mayank Markande provides some insight: “He will start laughing. He tries to play cool all the time, but he is not!”
Sukhwinder Tinku, Shubman’s childhood coach, fondly recalls an incident that reflects his innocence and humility: “Once, after training for six months, without informing me, he didn’t show up for two weeks. When he returned, I asked him, ‘Where were you?’ He said, ‘Sir pind gaya tha (I had gone to my village).’ In a rude way, I told him, ‘Yahaan kya kar raha? Phir se chala ja (What are you doing here? Go back again).’ With tearful eyes, he took his kit and slowly started going back. I rushed towards him, gave him a tight hug, and it took me 30 minutes to convince him that it was only a joke.”
Is Shubman Gill as particular about his diet as he is about his cricket? Markande shares, “Kuch bhi khaata hai (He eats everything). He is so fit, but he eats all the junk. It surprises me all the time.” Markande spent a week with Gill at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and was astonished by Gill’s eating habits, especially when they dined out in Bengaluru. “He ate all kinds of junk food. I asked him how he was in such great shape. He only laughed. The next morning, he was first in the gym and by the time everyone was there, he had already finished his one session.”
During their meals, there’s a unique rule set by Shubman: “Jo phone check karega wo bill bharega (The one checking the phone will pay the bill),” reveals another friend, Punjab offspinner Jassinder Singh.
Intriguingly, Gill has recently developed an interest in spirituality and meditation. Jassinder shares, “As a person, he has not changed much but a recent switch is that he has started talking about spirituality. He has started meditating. He has gone into a monk zone. You need that in cricket, especially for him, because an Indian cricketer is always under pressure from all corners.”
Despite his spiritual inclinations, Gill still finds time for his favorite video game, FIFA. Markande humorously recalls, “He loves playing FIFA, and he is yet to win a game against me. And he plays the legacy one, where you don’t have to do much; just keep pressing the buttons. But still, he will end up losing! A sore loser too; he will always make excuses!”
On the cricket field, Gill often takes his revenge on Markande. They share a long-standing rivalry dating back to their U-14 days, and it continues in the nets. Markande acknowledges Gill’s talent and work ethic, stating, “People always say that he is a very gifted batsman, but he was never a gifted cricketer. He has worked hard on his game.”
This dedication is a common theme among those who know Gill well. Punjab all-rounder Ramandeep Singh, who has known Gill since a young age, praises his ability to learn quickly and adapt. “If he gets out cheaply, he will see the videos, try to analyze the technical glitch, and will straightaway work on his technique. In the very next match, you will see how he has worked on his shortcomings,” says Ramandeep.
Even as he transitioned to the big leagues, Gill continued to evolve. According to Gurkeerat Mann, a Punjab player who has mentored Gill, “He was never a six-hitter. Earlier, he used to bat risk-free. In T20s also, his strike rate used to hover around 120. He will always try to play along the ground. But now his strike rate has gone to 150. Six hitting didn’t come naturally to him. He has worked on it.”
As Shubman Gill prepares to showcase his skills in front of his hometown crowd, the hopes and expectations are high. His journey from a prankster and FIFA enthusiast to a disciplined and dedicated cricketer is an inspiring testament to his hard work and determination.