India's Test captain Shubman Gill has lavished huge praise on his role model & childhood hero Virat Kohli ahead of the team's clash against arch-rival Pakistan on Sunday, September 14. In a very candid conversation, the stylish right-hand batter opened up about his journey and the inspirations behind his stupendous rise in international cricket, which now sees him on the cusp of becoming India's skipper for all formats.
Speaking on the Apple Music Podcast, Gill also reflected on India's recent 2-2 draw Test series against England, where he scored a record-breaking 754 runs in five Tests. During the same discussion, the 26-year-old stated that Kohli inspired him to shape his approach and game. Speaking on his cricketing heroes, the Test skipper highlighted how Kohli's passion and desire to always give his best left a lasting impression on him.
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"Talent and skill are one thing, but if you don't have the drive and passion, it doesn't matter," he said.
Kohli's sheer hunger for striving for excellence has not only inspired his competitors and peers, but it has also inspired normal people to be fitness freaks. The results are all to see, as the RCB icon has scored over 25,000 international runs, also scoring 50 ODI centuries - a record in the 50-over format. For Gill, this was more than admiration - it also helped him have a blueprint on his own career.
As a Test leader, Gill has drawn lessons from philosophy, especially Stoicism, to manage extreme pressures and expectations. The right-hand batter went onto elaborate how he views his performance and leadership.
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"I want to do my part sincerely and honestly without appreciation," he said, a mindset that purely mirrors Kohli's razor sharp discipline and focus he embodies on the field.
Classical tunes help me stay in the zone before matches: Shubman Gill
Beyond cricket, Gill also opened up about his fondness for music, his cricketing journey from Punjab to the world stage, and he likes to keep his routines, like listening to classical music, which helps him stay focused before games. The Test skipper's simple, and yet powerful words prove he enjoys food, music, and traveling, while his cricketing ideologies has deeply shaped by legendary batter Kohli, and applying discipline, focus, and passion to always strive for excellence.
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Gill will next be seen facing arch-rivals Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 tournament. The right-hand batter, who marked his return to T20Is after a gap of one year against the UAE, will look to score brisk runs against the Men In Green.
