'I am...'- Ex-England legend compares Shubman Gill with former South Africa all-rounder

The former England legendary batter, Kevin Pietersen, has drawn a comparison between the current Indian Test captain, Shubman Gill, and the former South Africa all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, after the former played two sensational knocks to set the platform for the Blue Brigade in their 336-run victory of the second Edgbaston Test to level the series at 1-1. 

Pietersen reckoned that just like Kallis didn’t perform at the start of his career and the management decided to give him a long rope, it was important for the selectors and coaches to stay calm with Shubman Gill, who couldn’t crack the red-ball formula at the beginning of his career. However, KP was trolled several times for making this comparison, and he reminded us of the same.

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“I haven’t seen him bat. I haven’t watched any cricket. But I am not surprised to see his numbers. And I put my head on the block a few years ago saying that please back Shubman Gill. I said Jacques Kallis started very slowly and turned out to be an absolute superstar. And in Vizag, I told him on Star that he should please relax, chill, and back him. And he got a hundred the next day. He just oozes quality.” Pietersen expressed in London during a dinner party.

Kevin Pietersen compares Shubman Gill with Jacques Kallis

Shubman, before the start of the England series, was averaging 35 in the red-ball format. He had his issues due to various technical failures and batting on tough surfaces against quality bowlers. But once he has taken on the leadership responsibility, the 25-year-old has looked like a different campaigner with the bat. His average after four innings has flown up to 42.

In the first innings of the opening Leeds Test of the series, Gill cracked 147 with the bat. That was a period when India lost two successive wickets in the first session and had to bear with some fabulous bowling from the home side without losing any wickets. Gill’s change of stance has brought success for him, and it could bring more joy to his numbers.

#WATCH | London | On Team India test captain Shubman Gill's performance, Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen says, "...I am not surprised to see his numbers. I put my head on a block a few years ago, saying please back Shubman Gill. Jacques Kallis started very slowly and… pic.twitter.com/po0PTyYjHz

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025

The Gujarat Titans’ captain extended the purple patch in the second fixture with 269 in the first innings, followed by a 161 in the second at Edgbaston. Whether it’s about attacking the bowlers or soaking pressure, he was equally good on all occasions. Now his challenge moves to hold this form in the third clash at Lord’s.