In the lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a compelling comparison, suggesting that Shubman Gill is rapidly emerging as a potential successor to Virat Kohli. Pathan's statement highlights the growing belief within cricketing circles that Gill possesses the talent and temperament to fill the void left by Kohli, especially in the T20 format.
"He has risen his stock exponentially," Pathan stated, emphasizing Gill's remarkable growth and increasing influence in the cricketing world. This observation comes amidst a backdrop of frequent comparisons between Gill and Kohli, fueled by Gill's consistent performances and his leadership role in the Indian team.
The comparisons between Gill and Kohli are not new, with many experts drawing parallels between their batting styles, intensity on the field, and their ability to shoulder responsibility. Gill's record-breaking performances, particularly in the Test series against England, have further solidified his position as a potential successor to Kohli.
Pathan acknowledged that such comparisons are inevitable when a young player demonstrates exceptional talent. He noted that Kohli himself was compared to Sachin Tendulkar early in his career, and now Gill is facing similar expectations. "There will always be comparisons," Pathan said. "Virat was compared with Sachin and now Gill is being compared to Virat, who has scored those 25000-30000 runs".
Despite the pressure that comes with these comparisons, Pathan believes that Gill has the mental fortitude to thrive. He highlighted Gill's "fine range of shots" and his eagerness to take on responsibility as indicators of his potential. "The more responsibility and challenges he gets, he will grow as a cricketer," Pathan added.
Gill's rise in stature has been meteoric, culminating in his appointment as captain for both the Test and ODI formats in 2025. This decision by the selectors reflects their confidence in his leadership abilities and his calm demeanor under pressure. With senior players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma having retired from the longest format, Gill has been entrusted with leading the team into a new era.
While Gill has missed out on selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup, the ODI series against New Zealand presents him with an opportunity to reaffirm his value in the 50-over format and solidify his place in the national team. Playing alongside Virat Kohli in that series will be a valuable experience for Gill, allowing him to learn from one of the best in the game.
Irfan Pathan's endorsement of Shubman Gill as a potential replacement for Virat Kohli in the 2026 T20 World Cup is a significant statement. It underscores the belief that Gill has the talent, temperament, and leadership qualities to become a key player for India in all formats of the game. As Gill continues to evolve and gain experience, his "stock" is only likely to rise further, making him a player to watch out for in the years to come.
