Is Indian team positioning Shubman Gill as the successor to Virat Kohli?

Virat Kohli is considered one of the best batsmen in international cricket and has scored the most hundreds after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar among active players. Irrespective of retiring from the shorter format of the game after lifting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating South Africa in the finals at Kennington Stadium, the star Indian player can give tough competition to any young player in terms of fitness. This was evident in the last edition of the Indian Premier League, where he scored the most runs in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore at the age of 35 years. He is an inspiration for millions of cricketers around the world, as well as in the Indian team, due to the class and persona he carries in Indian cricket. This is also followed by young cricketers.

It wouldn't be wrong to say that finding a player like Virat Kohli, with the same hunger to score runs for the nation, especially in run-chases, is nearly impossible. However, if we were to name a player who could potentially take the place of India’s run machine over the years, it could be Shubman Gill. He shares the same technique, passion, and consistency as the GOAT player, which has also made him captain on several occasions in domestic and international cricket.

However, there is a significant difference between Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill in their playing styles and patience in a run-chase.

Experience Level: Kohli has been part of the Indian team since 2008, with international experience of more than 16 years while playing against top teams in different circumstances. On the other hand, Gill has showcased immense potential but is still early in his career. He is gradually developing his game but lacks the experience and consistency that Kohli has built over the years.

Playing Style: Both batters have different playing styles. Virat Kohli is known for his classical batting, waiting for the ball to come onto the bat to drive and flick for a boundary. Meanwhile, Gill is more fluent and relies on timing. He tends to play more freely, using a wide range of shots.

Batting Temperament: Whenever the Indian team is under pressure, Kohli has stood up as a pillar every time, which is one reason he is famous for his aggressive, never-say-die attitude. His ability to remain composed in tense situations and deliver in crunch moments is what sets him apart.

Irrespective of Virat Kohli, Gill has shown glimpses of good temperament, particularly in Test matches like his knock at the Gabba (2021). However, he is still developing his ability to handle intense pressure at the highest level.

Batting Approach: Kohli is known for his calculated aggression. He assesses situations and plays according to the team’s needs, balancing attack and defense. Meanwhile, Gill plays with more natural flair and can go for his shots early in the innings. He is more aggressive in his strokeplay, especially through the off-side, and is likely to take more risks in the early part of his career.

However, Kohli’s stature in Indian cricket remains unmatched. Gill is being given significant opportunities across formats. His ability to anchor innings and his consistency suggest that he could evolve into a future leader and possibly take on the role of the team’s batting mainstay, similar to what Kohli has done. Irrespective of that, whether he will reach Kohli’s level of dominance remains to be seen, but he is certainly being groomed for a long-term role.

Both of these batters of the Indian national cricket team will be seen playing together in the upcoming Bangladesh Test series starting from 19th September in Chennai.