Shubman Gill's recent performance in the second Test against England has drawn high praise from former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin, who hailed him as a "future star". This endorsement comes on the heels of Gill's impressive innings at Edgbaston, where he scored a remarkable 269 off 387 balls. This is not the first time Gill's talent has been recognized; he has consistently been touted as a player with immense potential, and his recent performances have only solidified that reputation.

Gill's journey to becoming a linchpin in the Indian cricket team has been marked by consistent performances across all formats of the game. His breakthrough came during the 2018 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, where he amassed 372 runs at an impressive average of 124, playing a crucial role in India's title-winning campaign. This early success paved the way for his entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he was initially picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 1.8 Crores in 2018.

In the IPL, Gill has grown from a promising youngster to a seasoned campaigner. After four years with KKR, he moved to Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2022 for a significant sum. Gill consistently opened the batting for GT in 2022 and 2023 and had a breakout season in 2023, scoring 890 runs in 17 matches, including three centuries, and winning the Orange Cap. In 2024, he was appointed as the captain of the Gujarat Titans.

Gill's international career has also been on an upward trajectory. He made his ODI debut in 2019 and his Test debut in December 2020. He played a crucial role in India's historic series win in Australia, including a gritty 91 at The Gabba. As of July 2025, Gill has played 33 Test matches, scoring 2,048 runs with an average of 37, including 230 fours and 32 sixes. In ODIs, he has played 55 matches, scoring 2,775 runs with an average of 59, hitting 313 fours and 59 sixes. He also holds the record for being the fastest to reach 2000 and 2500 ODI runs. In T20s, Gill has scored 582 runs in 21 matches at an average of 31.

In the ongoing second Test against England, Gill's remarkable double century has further cemented his place as a key player in the Indian team. His innings of 269 not only helped India gain a strong position but also broke several records. Gill became the first Asian captain to score a double century in a Test match in England. He also set a new record for the highest score by an Indian captain in a Test innings in England, surpassing Mohammad Azharuddin's previous record. Furthermore, he is only the third Indian batter after Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid to score a double century in England.

Gill's leadership qualities have also been praised, with many regarding him as a future captain of Team India. In 2025, he was named the vice-captain of the ODI team for the Champions Trophy. His recent double century has further solidified his position as a leader, with his demeanor at the crease inspiring confidence in the young batting group.

Former England cricketer David Lloyd has compared Gill's batting style to that of Mohammad Azharuddin, noting his effortless style and relaxed mannerisms. Jonathan Trott has also lauded Gill as a world-class player with a bright future, praising his understanding of how to counter different bowlers and his ability to execute his game plan.

While Gill's recent form has been exceptional, there have been calls for patience and support, especially after India's loss in the first Test against England. Some critics have pointed out that India is overly reliant on Jasprit Bumrah in the bowling department and that Gill needs more support from experienced bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav. However, his recent double century has silenced many of those doubts and has established him as the undisputed leader of India's Test batting lineup.

Shubman Gill's journey from a promising U-19 player to a Test captain with a double century in England is a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination. With age on his side and a clear hunger for runs, Gill is well on his way to becoming a true great of the game. As Mohammad Azharuddin rightly pointed out, Shubman Gill is indeed a future star, and the cricketing world eagerly anticipates what he will achieve in the years to come.