Shubman Gill’s rise to become India’s new Test captain is an inspiring story – and no one seems happier than his childhood friend, Abhishek Sharma.
A Long-Standing Friendship: Shubman Gill And Abhishek Sharma
Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma have been close friends and teammates since their early cricket days in Punjab. Both of them had the dream of playing for India one day.
Gill’s career moved ahead quickly. He is now India’s vice-captain in ODIs and has also been named the Test captain. On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma has been doing well in T20Is for India but hasn’t yet made it into the ODI team. So far, he has played 17 T20I matches for India.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, Shubman Gill has been appointed as India’s new Test captain. His first challenge as skipper will be the upcoming five-match Test series in England.
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Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has been named the new vice-captain for the Test team ahead of the England tour.
After Shubman Gill was named India’s Test captain, his close friend Abhishek Sharma expressed how proud he felt. Abhishek said it was a special moment and showed how far hard work can take someone.
In a video shared by Star Sports on X, Abhishek Sharma said:
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“I think if I see his career, you know if I remember the old days when we were just starting to play for the U-14 and U-16 Punjab team. As youngsters, we all started with the red ball. From that time to now, it is a big achievement to become India’s Test captain, and I feel very proud of him.”
After watching Shubman Gill succeed in all formats of the game, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma praised him highly. He said Gill is not only one of the best batters India has produced but also a natural leader who will take on the captaincy with confidence and do it really well.
Abhishek added, “Humne junior cricket saath dekha tha… (We’ve watched and played junior cricket together.) He is one of the best players India has produced in all three formats and wo acha isko nibhayega bhi (he will play his role to perfection). I believe he will do really well for Team India and as a captain as well.”
#AbhishekSharma recalls their early days and now beams with pride as his friend @ShubmanGill becomes India’s red-ball captain. 🏏🙌
Catch his tribute to one of India’s finest talents! ✨
Watch him next on 👉 #GTvMI | FRI, 30th MAY, 6 PM on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/OXWMvLEIsu
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 28, 2025
Rest Before England Tour: Gill to Miss India A Match
Shubman Gill has scored 1893 runs in 32 Test matches, including five centuries, but is still improving in overseas conditions.
He was set to play for India A on June 6 to prepare for the England Test series but will now rest due to IPL 2025 playoffs with Gujarat Titans. With the final on June 3, BCCI and coach Gautam Gambhir decided not to rush him into red-ball cricket.
ALSO READ: Sanjiv Goenka Sends Heartfelt Message To Rishabh Pant After IPL 2025 Exit
