India's cricketing world had an emotional moment when one of their legendary Test captains and batting greats, Virat Kohli, announced his retirement from Test cricket. The cricketing universe responded with amazement and disbelief, but with the young superstar Shubman Gill's open letter to Kohli, it became a message from the next generation that honored Kohli's legacy.

Gill shared an emotional social media message mentioning how he looked up to him and was grateful to him as "paji," stating simply that no matter how many words he put down to say how big the influence on him was, it would never be enough. Gill recalled being thirteen and watching Kohli bat as an audience member in awe of how one human could use that much energy and passion and how it was impossible for Gill to conceptualize that level of talent; that was only rectified when Gill shared a dressing room and the track with his idol. Gill emphasized that Kohli did not simply inspire a generation but also changed the mentality of millions. He further explained Kohli's unmatched passion and commitment and the mental revolution that he brought to Indian Test cricket. For Gill, as a player who was born with a bat in hand and watched Kohli dominate all formats of cricket at home and away, it is a personal and historical moment.

Shubman Gill’s fantastic and touching farewell for King Kohli on his Test retirement! 🤌❤️🥹#ViratKohli #Tests #India #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/2em7N8Y6Jp

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) May 12, 2025

Also read: Virat Kohli's first match and last match in Test cricket

A Legacy That Inspires Generations

Shubman also recognized the importance Kohli gave to Test cricket, saying that he wishes the current generation can take forward the same fire and passion. His message was not a farewell message—it was a promise. A promise to maintain the legacy Kohli created with his sweat, skill, and spirit over the years.

The bond between Gill and Kohli reflects the beautiful transition in Indian cricket. While the world celebrates Kohli’s phenomenal Test career, players like Gill are ready to take the baton forward. Kohli’s departure leaves a void, but it also leaves behind a roadmap of excellence, discipline, and belief.

As Shubman Gill ended his tribute, he just said, "Thank you for everything. Happy retirement, @imVkohli paji." A very strong statement reflecting the emotions of millions of fans and young cricketers across the globe.

India's new Test captain will be announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) through a media conference after Rohit Sharma's retirement from red-ball cricket. The news comes not long after Rohit ended his illustrious Test career, leaving the team in need of a leader in the classic format of the game. The announcement will coincide with the selection of the team for the home Test series against England, set to occur on May 23.

Rohit, who formally retired after India's recent Test match, finished his career as one of India's most reliable openers and a stoic, tactical captain. With his leadership, India had their dominance at home and finished as runners-up in the World Test Championship final in 2023. The selectors now have the added challenge of not only rebuilding a dominant Test team but also of finding a quality leader who will be able to take over and lead a transition team through another cycle.

There are some names being discussed for the job currently. KL Rahul, vice-captain for the moment and a reliable performer in all formats, is a front-runner. He is a natural choice due to his experience and composure. Jasprit Bumrah, the former temporary captain and senior player on the team now, is also in contention. There are also youngsters like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant—if completely fit—who are seen as long-term captaincy candidates due to their attacking intent and on-field presence.

🚨 BCCI has planned a media conference to introduce the new Test Captain. 🚨

- The Team selection for the England Test series is likely to happen on May 23. [Cricbuzz] pic.twitter.com/0kbWlvZKQA

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 10, 2025

Also read: "I’m done" Virat Kohli’s repeated words spark retirement rumours

Potential Leadership Successors Take Shape Ahead of Selection 

While selectors will look to assess a variety of criteria such as experience, fitness, overseas performance, and laughingstock leadership attitude before appointing the next captain, the upcoming five-Test home series against England will be important too, not just as a fight but as a leadership fight for whoever takes over. The BCCI will likely want someone who can commit to a long-term leadership role and help develop the next leaders. 

The May 23 meeting will reveal the Test squad but could also show which way Indian cricket wants to go in a post-Rohit Sharma environment. The BCCI and who they trust with India’s future in Tests will be closely scrutinized. 

The 39th match of IPL 2025 was played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans. In this match, Gujarat Titans defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by a huge margin of 39 runs and achieved their sixth win this season. Gujarat Titans had set a target of 199 runs in front of Kolkata team, in response, Kolkata team could score only 159 runs. Captain Shubman Gill played the highest innings of 90 runs in 55 balls for Gujarat Titans.

Talking about this match, Kolkata Knight Riders won the toss and decided to bowl first. In response, batting first, both the openers of Gujarat Titans team, Sai Sudarshan and Shubman Gill, made a partnership of 114 runs in 74 balls for the first wicket, in which Sai Sudarshan scored 52 runs in 36 balls. He hit 6 fours and a six in his innings. Captain Shubman Gill played an innings of 90 runs in 55 balls with the help of 10 fours and three sixes.

After this, Jos Buttler, who came to bat at number three, played an unbeaten innings of 41 runs with the help of 8 fours in 23 balls. Rahul Tewatia could not even open his account after facing two balls. Shahrukh Khan scored 11 runs in five balls. For the Kolkata Knight Riders team, Vaibhav Arora took one wicket for 44 runs in four overs. Apart from this, Harshit Rana took 1 wicket for 45 runs in four overs. Andre Russell also took one wicket for 13 runs.

Ajinkya Rahane played a slow innings in the run chase

Chasing the target of 199 runs given by the Gujarat Titans team, the Kolkata Knight Riders team had a very bad start and in the very first over, Rahmanullah Gurbaz was out LBW on the ball of Mohammad Siraj. After this, Sunil Narayan also returned to the pavilion after scoring 17 runs in 13 balls on Rashid Khan's ball. After two wickets fell for just 43 runs, captain Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer tried to handle the innings and made a partnership of 41 runs in 36 balls.

But this partnership was going very slow, so in an attempt to increase the run rate, Venkatesh Iyer got out on Sai Kishore's ball. Venkatesh Iyer scored 14 runs in 19 balls, while Ajinkya Rahane did score 50 runs but for this he faced 36 balls. And when he had to bat fast, Ajinkya Rahane returned to the pavilion after being stumped out.

Now all the hopes depended on the batting of dangerous batsman Andre Russell. But Andre Russell also became a victim of Rashid Khan's ball after scoring 21 runs in 15 balls. Ramandeep Singh, who was expected to bat well, also returned to the pavilion after scoring one run in two balls. Moeen Ali could not even open his account and was out on the ball of Prasidh Krishna. From the Gujarat Titans team, Prasidh Krishna took two wickets for 25 runs in four overs. Apart from this, Rashid Khan also spent 25 runs in four overs and took two wickets.

Twitter reactions after GT wins 39th match of IPL 2025

E Kkr vallaki SRH ante jai antadhi 😏#Kkrvsgt pic.twitter.com/HGqvJQpVYR

— Addicted To Memes (@Addictedtomemez) April 21, 2025

Tree 🌴 plantation drive by KKR 💜 #KKRvsGT pic.twitter.com/COwnmab2sY

— memer manish (@memer_manis) April 21, 2025

KKR fans watching #KKRvsGT after abusing the team left, right, and centre for their last performance: pic.twitter.com/3yYnuUbxGY

— αdil. (@ixadilx) April 21, 2025

•Loss
•Win
•Loss
•Win
•Loss
•Win

KKR Team with KKR fans😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/1wZ63bMiMg

— कट्टर KKR समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) April 11, 2025

#KKRvsGT
Gujrat Titans Win Matter >> 🔥😌 pic.twitter.com/ID5G77M43Z

— Prof cheems ॐ (@Prof_Cheems) April 21, 2025

Gareeb Ki Gareebi Ka Fayeda Utha Liya 🌝#ShubmanGill #KKRvGT #KKRvsGT pic.twitter.com/VC47xRh0SQ

— chacha (@meme_kalakar) April 21, 2025

GAUTAM GAMBHIR KNIGHT RIDERS IT IS!

KKR should dissolve itself when GG is not its mentor. The players should go on a 4 year break, should vibe on wavy, watch wwe & make prestige sponsors food. pic.twitter.com/RVQPX4cZSr

— abhi 🅴 (@CFCAbhii) April 21, 2025

#GTvsKKR

🚨Me with my family, GT again win & top of the table with 12 points of IPL 2025.....🤩🥳

E haallooo..💃🕺🤩 pic.twitter.com/Bd86PWOAJU

— काजू कसाटा / શનિ 🇮🇳 (@kaju_boy8890) April 21, 2025

KKR fans watching #KKRvsGT after abusing the team left, right, and centre for their last performance:

pic.twitter.com/QtJ4iLA3ZW

— Dev Ruwala (@Dev_Ruwala) April 21, 2025

Nacho .. unbelievable win by KKR 😍 #KKRvsKXIP pic.twitter.com/3wAniMQD1n

— Funnily Serious (@notionalvieww) October 10, 2020

Tewatia To Catch Out Ho Gya 🤣🤣#KKRvsGT #KKRvGT pic.twitter.com/RR0dr10Wc4

— chacha (@meme_kalakar) April 21, 2025

Trophy 🏆 Do Or Khatam Karo
#KKRvsGT #KKRvGT pic.twitter.com/u8fXkn8IZN

— chacha (@meme_kalakar) April 21, 2025

Indian former cricketer Yuvraj Singh recently opened up about his bond with the younger cricketing talents, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, and discussed the emotional rollercoaster he goes through seeing them play. Yuvraj Singh has been a mentor to these players and, also talking about his relationship with them, said , “I get nervous when Shubman or Abhishek are batting, be it for India or for their IPL teams.”

As has been reported, both Shubman and Abhishek represent Punjab, and so does Yuvraj, who has been their guiding World Cup-winning all-rounder. The two do recognize his contribution. Yuvraj has earned the reputation of an extremely disciplined mentor and is still in the apparatus of their careers, constantly providing support for any issues that arise in the form of suggestions and information, particularly when they are experiencing issues related to batting mechanics.

In a recent episode of the Curly Tales YouTube channel alongside his mother, Shabnam Singh, Yuvraj shared, “I feel nervous when Abhishek and Shubman are batting.” She also added with a touch of humor that “younger lots of cricketers are actually scared of Yuvraj because he is quite intimidating.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Also read: 'Dhoni has resigned to fate' – Aakash Chopra makes bold statement on MS Dhoni’s mindset amid IPL 2025

Yuvraj’s Monitoring on Punjab’s Cricketing Gems: Strict Mentor, Gentle Heart

Shabnam relayed that Yuvraj calling to review matches is the reason some players, such as Shubman and Abhsiek, get anxious. “He’ll call and say, ‘What kind of shot did you play?’ and they get petrified,” she said, smiling at how seriously he takes his role as a mentor.

In other news, Abhishek Sharma crossed a new milestone after getting his maiden BCCI central contract, which was under grade C due to his stellar performance in T20Is for India, where he scored two centuries. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, has also been performing great and maintained his position in grade A, which makes him one of the best Indian batters.

The Gujarat Titans (GT) vs. Mumbai Indians (MI) match is set for March 29, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Both teams are elated in anticipation of grabbing their first win of the season, shaping the aesthetic for this match to be even more engrossing.

Match Details – IPL 2025

• Match: Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Mumbai Indians (MI)
• Date: 29th March 2025 
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Live Streaming: JioStar & Star Sports Network

Also read:IPL 2025 GT vs MI : player battles to watch out

 Weather and Pitch Condition:

Weather Condition:

• The Ahmedabad forecast promises skies that are clear throughout the game, and the temperature hovering between 31 and 37 degrees guarantees no rain holdups.
• 11% (Humidity)
• No rain is predicted, ensuring an uninterrupted match.

Pitch Forecast:

• Known for its batting-rich track, the Narendra Modi Stadium is likely to produce another high-scoring game because of the expected bounce and pace, which is favorable for aggressive batting. 
• As the match shifts toward the end, spinners may get some help due to the pitch slowing down.

Also read:IPL 2025: CSK vs RCB at Chepauk: A head-to-head breakdown

Indian fielders are on radar to the big final of Champions Trophy where some of the straight catches were dropped by players. New Zealand won the toss and choose to bat first, Rohit Sharma lost his straight 15 toss most by any captain. India won their all matches in this champions Trophy edition even beating New Zealand too in league phase. 

Today India's fast bowlers were really not upto the mark Shami who is the second highest wicket taker couldn't able to do much on he was taken out from opening batsman Rachin Ravindra where he lashed out boundries on him, even Hardik Pandaya who accompanied him too got some hard hits which reciprocated Rohit to move on to spinners.

Read more: Virat Kohli Suffers An Injury Scare Ahead Of Big Final Against New Zealand

Lagging In Catches Calls The Trouble

It was Shami who started the proceeding by dropping the catch it was the 6th over of the match where he was bowling to Rachin Ravindra, he tapped the ball straight to Shami which was straight forward catch, Shami missed it and injured his hand. Shami in semi-final too dropped the important catch of Travis Head.

The next catch was dropped by Shreyas Iyer same as Rachin Ravindra at the deep mid wicket. Ravindra swept Chakravarthy ball over deep and there stood Iyer who came on running and dropped at the end. That catch was in hand which just tickled at the end moment. Though India made good ground fielding contributions and took some crucial wickets too. 

The Pressure Of Final Pressurize

The pressure of the final always makes you sometimes tilt because your one mistake can take you away from the game. The same thing happened in the 35 over too where Rohit Sharma dropped Darryl Mitchell at the mid-wicket though the catch was quite a tough one but at international standards, you have to get those to acquire the trophy. Rohit Sharma extended his arms high but the effort was 100% but wasn't quite enough to take the catch. 

Read More: Former England All Rounder Moeen Ali States That ODI Format Is Worst Of All

Though it was not enough vice captain Subhman Gill made a blunder by dropping Phillips at mid wicket, where Phillips hit the shot at mid wicket and Subhman standing in shade charged over it but dropped at the end. These catch drops extended the New Zealand score to 251 where they where very behind than the par score but these small errors etched New Zealand to reach the respectable score. Now its upto India how they compose the chase. 

As of February 26, 2025, Indian batsmen have set a record by  clinching four positions among the top 10 of the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings. This  is a clear testament to India’s batting strength, durability, and prominence in the international arena.

Top  Indian Batsmen in ICC ODI Rankings 2025

Shubman Gill: Leading the  Charge

• Current Rank: 1st
• Rating Points: 817
• Strengths:  Consistency, technique, pressure handling.

Shubman Gill has emerged as the top ODI batsman in  the world. He has been particularly effective in India’s run to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025  final. His ability to control the game and provide crucial impetus at important stages of the match is  invaluable.

 Rohit Sharma: The Reliable Presence of a Captain

• Current Rank: 3rd
• Rating Points: 757
• Key Strengths: Leadership, big match temperament, elegant stroke play.

 Rohit Sharma has been one of the key reasons for India’s recent success due to his consistency  at the top order. His technique to anchor innings while also having a good strike rate has made him irreplaceable. As a captain, his leadership and experience are still leading the team through tough games.

Virat Kohli: The Maestro's Resurgence     

• Current Rank: 5th      
• Rating Points: 743  
• Key Strengths: Chase master, fitness, adaptability  

Virat Kohli has once again proved why he is one of the best batsmen of all time.  His unbeaten century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 also showed his strength in pressure  situations. His hunger for runs and commitment to excellence inspires the next generation.

Shreyas Iyer: The Middle-Order Pillar        

• Current Rank:  9th        
• Rating Points: 679      
• Strengths: Stability, flexibility, acceleration in the death overs

Shreyas Iyer has been crucial to India with his middle-order performances. He has been  useful in rebuilding the innings and in completing the games and thus has provided depth and reliability to the  team. Being India's reliability for stabilizing the innings, he continues to justify his place.

India's Batting Depth: A Testament to Excellence

The fact that four Indian batsmen figure among the ICC ODI top 10 rankings is a strong indication of:

• Strong domestic structure – Nurturing world-class talent
• Successful mentorship – Taking lessons from legends such as Kohli & Rohit Sharma
• Consistency of performance – Performing in all conditions

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 underway, India's batting lineup is one of the strongest in international cricket. This team is not only about individual genius but a team powerhouse waiting to write new history.

Babar Azam vs Shubman Gill in ICC Tournaments

Cricket enthusiasts everywhere enjoy comparing great players, and the most discussed match-up of late is between Pakistan's Babar Azam and India's Shubman Gill. Both talented batters in their own right, their showings in ICC tournaments offer an interesting means by which to judge their abilities.

ICC tournaments Babar Azam

Babar Azam has been the ICC player for Pakistan. Ever since he broke through we have known that consistency in big games would be his strong suit. Not only did they have a contender, but his ability to ground the innings and take pressure might have taken Pakistan many necks of the woods in deciding a toss. Babar has represented Pakistan in all kinds of ICC tournaments — T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy etc.

• Strength of Babar Azam
• Runs at regular intervals
• Great skill and fluidity
• High-Pressure Experiences
• Leadership qualities of Pakistan co-captain.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli: A Champion's Dedication to Team Success

Shubman Gill in ICC Tournaments

Shubman Gill is India's next (young) big thing Good for him, He was discovered after his triumph in the 2018 U-19 World Cup with the senior skip. He has since been a fixture in the Indian seniors and has started to take some form in ICC tournaments. With his fine style and fearless approach, perhaps he is a strong candidate for upcoming ICC events.

• Shubman Gill Has The Following Strengths
  
• Stylish and Aggressive Batting
  
• The ability to keep all bowlers 'under one dome'
  
• Still young, still improving with each game
  
• Solid at playing well in big matches

Statistical Comparison
While Babar Azam has more experience and a better record in ICC tournaments, Gill is a young star with immense potential. Babar has already scored multiple centuries in ICC events, whereas Gill is yet to make his mark on the international platform.

Who is Better in ICC Tournaments?
Each of the two players has his own style and abilities. Babar Azam is recognized for being consistent and a leader, while Shubman Gill is coming out as a forceful and fearless batsman. With the passage of time, Gill might become as good as Babar, but presently, Babar is ahead in ICC tournaments.

India's opening Champions Trophy match would have crumbled if the prince Subhman Gill hadn't taken the command, he was supported by Kl Rahul who ensured India would par the line before any other wicket would commence. On a shiny day at Dubai International Stadium, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. 
But things were not that good for Bangladesh when they opted to bat they lost a quick three wickets before reaching the score of 50, and Mohammad Shami opened the account of wickets. Soon spinners took control over the Tigers it was quite unpredictable to read the ball which was turning a bit. 
Poor fielding And Come Back Of Bangladesh
Bangladesh was in serious trouble when things changed dramatically when Axar's hattrick chance was missed, which was dropped by Rohit Sharma at slips and within a few minutes of time Hardik Pandya dropped a sitter catch of Zakir Ali. Both the drop catches of Jakir Ali and Towhid Hridoy proved costly to India where Ali went on to hit a half century. 
Read More: India Fielding Comes Under The Radar Where Hardik Drops A Sitter
Towhid Hridoy scored his maiden Champions Trophy century but Bangladesh wasn't able to utilise their partnership well because after their wickets no proper support remained and the tail was exposed which was easily driven out by the Indian team. In their quota of 50 overs, Bangladesh was able to score 228 runs losing all their wickets. 
India Onto Chase And Subhman Gill To Rescue
 India begins their chase under lights captain Rohit Sharma and Subhman Gill leading the command. Rohit was with the same intent of attacking cricket and Subhman Gill supporting his captain quietly, India soon reached the mark of 50 and the chase was looking easy. But Taskin had the reply he removed the dangerously looking Rohit Sharma for 41. Then entered King Kohli who had a good comeback against England. Kohli was chipping the ball quietly waiting for his opportunities to score. 
But he too couldn't hold too much he got out at the score of 22 facing 38 balls which clearly depicts that he still couldn't able to figure it out. Soon Iyer too departed but Gill never lost his concentration he kept on playing and scoring his 50 at the other end wickets were crumbling, and soon Axar departed putting India in a deliberate situation. But Rahul gave the key support to Gill. Both the batsmen took the charge of chasing. Subhuman Gillwent on to make a fantastic century which was his first too in the Champions Trophy
Read More: Dubai weather Plays Autonomy to Indian Team
Rahul too made well made 40 and kept the one end ticking ensuring no other falls from his side. India comfortably chased the target in 47 overs and opened their account with the victory. India contained the unbeaten record by 6 and once again proved that chasing under the lights is quite easy. Subhman Gill was awarded the Man of the Match award. India is going to face their arch-rivals Pakistan on 23 February which will be a decider for Pakistan as they have lost the opener against New Zealand.