Ravi Shastri Declares Shubman Gill as Indian Cricket’s Future Star

Former Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri has identified Shubman Gill as the next poster boy of Indian cricket, a title previously held by legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. Gill’s performance as the current Test captain has garnered significant attention, and Shastri believes he embodies the youthful energy and talent that can captivate fans and sponsors alike.

Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Shastri highlighted Gill’s potential to dominate the sport’s public image, stating, “Shubman Gill will be the next one. There’ll be Yashasvi Jaiswal too. Somehow, they always like batters.” Shastri emphasized Gill’s impressive start to his captaincy and his scoring ability, asserting, “He is young, fresh, has the looks. Now is the time to cash in.”

Shastri also acknowledged Gill’s calm demeanor on the field, noting that with further experience, he is likely to refine his leadership style. The former coach remarked, “You saw him finger-pointing, but with exposure and time, I think he will settle down.”

In the same podcast episode, Shastri discussed the lucrative endorsement deals enjoyed by top Indian cricketers. He revealed that these athletes earn substantial amounts from sponsorships, often exceeding ₹100 crores (approximately $12 million). He cited players like Dhoni, Kohli, and Tendulkar, who, at the height of their careers, would participate in 15 to 20 advertisements annually. “It is per day,” Shastri explained. “They will give you one day to shoot and then that ad can be played out as many times as needed.”

England’s Dominance in the Fourth Test

While discussions about Gill’s future unfolded, the fourth Test between England and India saw ace batter Joe Root showcase his remarkable skills. Root achieved a milestone by scoring his 38th century, helping England establish a commanding position against a weary Indian bowling attack in Manchester. At the end of the third day, England had amassed 544/7, taking a lead of 186 runs in their first innings.

Root’s impressive knock included 150 runs off 248 balls, supported by notable contributions from England captain Ben Stokes, who scored 77 runs off 134 balls, and Ollie Pope, who added 71 runs off 128 deliveries. This performance further highlighted the challenges faced by the Indian bowlers, who struggled to contain the England batsmen throughout the day.

As Indian cricket looks towards a new generation, the spotlight is firmly on Shubman Gill, whose ascent may very well shape the future of the sport in the country.