Virat Kohli Just Crowned Shubman Gill—And Cricket Fans Are Losing It
Let’s be honest—we all saw this coming. Shubman Gill didn’t just play cricket against England; he put on a batting clinic that left everyone speechless. 430 runs across two innings? That’s not just good, that’s “rewrite the record books” kind of stuff. And guess who noticed? Virat Kohli, who basically handed Gill the crown on Instagram with a caption that broke the internet. This isn’t just about runs—it’s about that rare moment when you actually see the future of a sport unfold right in front of you.
1. How Shubman Gill Made England’s Bowlers Look Like Net Practice
1.1 The Knock That Changed Everything
Gill didn’t just score runs—he owned the field. First innings: 189 runs like it was a casual Sunday game. Second innings? An unbeaten 241 that had commentators scrambling for superlatives. Here’s why it’s insane:
- Broke Kohli’s record for fastest to 1,000 Test runs (19 innings vs. 22). Ouch.
- Youngest ever to smash 400+ in a single Test. At 21. Let that sink in.
- Played at a strike rate of 78.9—aggressive but never reckless. That’s the scary part.
1.2 When the Match Was Actually Over
India declared at 650/7, and you could see England’s bowlers mentally packing their bags. Gill’s partnerships—especially with Rohit and Pant—felt like watching Sachin and Dravid all over again. Nasser Hussain put it best: “This wasn’t just batting. It was a statement.”
2. Kohli’s Instagram Post That Broke the Internet
2.1 The Caption Heard ‘Round the World
Kohli, who’s sitting out this series, dropped an Instagram story that went nuclear. Picture of Gill with the words: “The Prince is now the King. Take a bow, @shubmangill! #FutureLegend.” Yeah, he called him “King”—the same title fans have used for Kohli for years. The symbolism? Thick enough to cut with a knife.
2.2 Why Kohli’s Stamp of Approval Matters
This isn’t just star power—it’s mentorship. Gill spilled the beans post-match: “Virat bhai always messages me after big games. This time? He wrote, ‘You’re ready to rule.'” Harsha Bhogle nailed it: “When Kohli passes the torch, cricket pays attention.”
3. From Wonder Kid to Absolute Machine: Gill’s Rise
3.1 The Numbers Don’t Lie
Gill’s stats at 21 vs. Kohli’s at the same age? Brutal:
| Stat | Gill (21) | Kohli (21) |
|---|---|---|
| Test Average | 52.1 | 47.8 |
| Centuries | 5 | 3 |
3.2 What Makes Gill Different
He’s got Kohli’s cover drives, Sehwag’s fearlessness, and Dravid’s patience—all in one package. Rahul Dravid himself said, “The kid doesn’t have a weakness. And that’s terrifying for bowlers.”
4. Twitter Meltdowns and the Birth of a New Rivalry
4.1 Meme Factory at Full Capacity
My personal favorite? “England’s bowling coach seen booking a one-way ticket to the Bahamas.” Wasim Akram’s tweet said it all: “Special players make you stop what you’re doing and watch. Gill is one of them.”
4.2 Kohli and Gill: More Than Just Teammates?
Remember when Kohli gave Gill his Test cap back in 2020? Fast forward to now, and it’s clear—this is cricket’s new power duo. The way they interact during IPL? Pure big brother-little brother energy.
5. What’s Next? Probably More Records
Australia’s touring next month, and Gill already owns the Gabba. The big question: Can he catch Kohli’s 75 international centuries? Stats say he’s ahead of schedule. Scary thought.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a great performance. It was the moment Indian cricket turned a corner. With Gill’s bat doing the talking and Kohli’s blessing making it official, the future’s arrived. Drop your favorite Gill moment below—mine’s that six over cover that nearly broke the stadium lights.
Source: Navbharat Times – Default