Asia Cup 2025: 'I Have Had Two Idols' – Shubman Gill’s big revelation ahead of Pakistan clash

India has always had iconic batters carry the hopes of the nation for several generations. Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli could each be viewed as iconic players for their respective generations. Now, many believe that Shubman Gill is the next one in line to continue the legacy of great Indian batters.

In a recent podcast, India’s T20I vice-captain shared how he first got inspired to pick up a bat by watching Sachin Tendulkar. He talked about how Tendulkar was his father’s favorite cricketer when he was growing up and that had an effect on him during his childhood. However, as Gill grew older and began to understand the mental and tactical demands of the sport, his admiration shifted towards Virat Kohli.

“I have had two idols. The first one was Sachin Tendulkar. He was my dad’s favorite, and I actually got into cricket because of him. He retired in 2013, and around 2011–2013 was when I really started to understand cricket properly—not just the skills, but also the mental and tactical side of the game," Shubman said in a podcast on Apple Music.

Inspired by Virat Kohli’s Passion

Gill further explained how Kohli’s relentless drive and unmatched hunger for runs left a lasting impression on him. “That was also the time I began following Virat Kohli closely. I loved watching the way he went about his business, the sheer passion he had for the game, and the hunger he carried. You can learn all the skills and all the technique, but hunger is something you either have or you don’t. Virat had it in abundance, and that really inspired me," he added.

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Now, Gill himself is carving his own legacy in Indian cricket. Making his T20I comeback in the Asia Cup 2025, he started strongly with an unbeaten 20 off nine balls against the UAE as India chased down a modest target in just 4.3 overs. With a high-voltage clash against Pakistan next on September 14 in Dubai, Gill will once again have the chance to showcase why many believe he is India’s next batting great.