Is Shubman Gill truly the heir to Virat Kohli's throne? If you look closely, it’s not just a hopeful prediction — it’s an eerie parallel unfolding in real-time. At almost every step, Gill’s journey seems like a carbon copy of where Kohli stood a decade ago. From their age to their stats, and even the context of their captaincy, the similarities are borderline uncanny.
Mirror Stats, Mirror Moments
Virat Kohli was 26 when he took over the reins of India’s Test side in 2014. Shubman Gill? He’ll hit that age mark in less than three months — and he’s already been handed the red-ball leadership.
Let’s dive into numbers.
Before becoming captain, Kohli had 1855 Test runs. Gill currently stands at 1893. Kohli’s average before Adelaide 2014 was 39.46; Gill’s is 35.05. Neither crossed the 40 mark, but both were already key top-order names.
Even in centuries, they’re neck and neck. Kohli had 6 Test hundreds. Gill? 5 — and counting.
These aren’t just surface-level coincidences. Their early careers feel stitched from the same pattern — like cricketing fate playing on repeat.
Same Pressure, Same Transition
It’s not just about runs — it’s about timing. When MS Dhoni abruptly retired in 2014, Kohli had to step up as full-time Test captain. This time around, with Rohit Sharma stepping away from red-ball duties, it’s Gill’s turn to inherit the crown.
And guess what? Both began their captaincy arcs overseas. Kohli’s first assignment? The fire of Australia. Gill’s? The swinging minefield of England.
Even the team conditions they walked into were similarly bruised. Kohli became captain at a time when India was getting battered in SENA nations. And now, Gill’s taking over after a string of tough losses — including a shocking defeat to New Zealand at home and a humbling in Australia.
Can Gill Match Kohli’s Aura?
Virat Kohli may not have won his first series as captain, but he made a statement that changed Indian cricket forever. He faced the Aussies head-on, matching their aggression, and refusing to back down.
Now, with a young Indian squad averaging just 28.5 years of age, Gill has the stage to shape a new era.
The question isn’t just “Will Shubman Gill be a good captain?”
It’s this: Can he carry the weight of legacy and carve his own?
The numbers say yes. The moments are lining up.
If history has a habit of repeating itself — this might be the sequel Indian cricket has been waiting for.
