Irfan Pathan: Shubman Gill Is on the Same Path as Virat Kohli—Here’s Why

Shubman Gill Virat Kohli Path: Irfan Pathan Sees a Legend in the Making

“This is how greatness is built.”

Those are the words of former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan as he draws a compelling parallel between his own early career under Rahul Dravid—and the current trajectory of young batting star Shubman Gill. In a heartfelt reflection, Pathan didn’t just praise Gill’s talent; he framed his evolution as a mirror of Virat Kohli’s formative years—suggesting that the 25-year-old is on a destined path to cricketing immortality .

This isn’t just fanfare. It’s a high-stakes endorsement from a man who’s seen India’s batting greats up close. And with Gill recently taking on leadership roles across formats—while weathering a rough T20 patch—Pathan’s insight offers a crucial lens through which to view India’s next-generation batting pillar.

Table of Contents

• Pathan’s Powerful Comparison: Then and Now
• The Kohli Blueprint: What Made Him Unstoppable?
• Gill’s Leadership Leap: Pressure as a Catalyst
• Learning from Setbacks: The T20 Reality Check
• Expert Perspective: What Truly Builds Greatness in Cricket?
• Conclusion: Is Gill India’s Next Batting Titan?
• Sources

Pathan’s Powerful Comparison: Then and Now

Irfan Pathan, who burst onto the international scene at just 19, recalled how then-captain Rahul Dravid “threw him into the deep end” early on. “He gave me responsibility, even when I was young. That’s how you grow,” Pathan explained .

He sees the exact same pattern unfolding with Gill. Under Rohit Sharma and now in his own captaincy stints (Gujarat Titans in IPL, India A, and stand-in roles for the national side), Gill is being entrusted with leadership far earlier than most peers. “That responsibility shapes your mindset,” Pathan added. “It’s not just about runs—it’s about thinking like a leader under pressure.”

The Kohli Blueprint: What Made Him Unstoppable?

To understand the Shubman Gill Virat Kohli path, we must revisit Kohli’s rise:

• ✅ 2008–2011: Aggressive U-19 World Cup winner thrust into senior team amid chaos (Mumbai attacks, match-fixing shadows).
• ✅ Early Captaincy: Led India U-19, then Delhi, then IPL’s Royal Challengers Bangalore by age 22.
• ✅ Mentorship: Guided by legends like Dravid, Tendulkar, and Dhoni—but fiercely self-driven.
• ✅ Resilience: Faced criticism for temperament, then transformed it into his greatest weapon.

Kohli didn’t just score runs—he absorbed pressure, learned leadership, and evolved emotionally. Pathan believes Gill is undergoing the same crucible.

Gill’s Leadership Leap: Pressure as a Catalyst

Gill’s ascent has been steady but strategic:

1. 2022: Named vice-captain for India’s white-ball tours.
2. 2023: Led Gujarat Titans to back-to-back IPL finals.
3. 2024–2025: Regularly captained India in T20Is during Rohit Sharma’s rest periods.
4. 2025: Named captain of India A for multi-format tour of South Africa.

Each role has tested his tactical acumen and emotional control. Unlike pure accumulators, Gill is being molded as a complete cricketer—batting anchor, fielding dynamo, and thinking leader.

Learning from Setbacks: The T20 Reality Check

Pathan was quick to acknowledge Gill’s recent T20 struggles—low scores in the 2025 home series against Australia—but reframed them as essential growing pains. “Virat had phases like this too. What matters is how you respond,” he said .

Gill’s willingness to publicly analyze his failures—citing “over-aggression” and “poor shot selection”—shows a maturity beyond his years. This self-awareness, Pathan argues, is the hallmark of future greats. It’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about learning from it faster than anyone else.

Expert Perspective: What Truly Builds Greatness in Cricket?

According to sports psychologists, elite performance isn’t just talent—it’s deliberate exposure to pressure. A 2023 study published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that athletes who assume leadership roles early develop superior decision-making under stress—a trait central to Kohli’s dominance .

Gill’s current path—juggling runs, captaincy, and public scrutiny—isn’t accidental. It’s the modern blueprint for cricketing greatness, and Pathan recognizes it because he lived a version of it himself.

[INTERNAL_LINK:future-of-indian-cricket] For more on India’s next-gen stars, explore our deep dive into the future of Indian cricket beyond Kohli and Rohit.

Conclusion: Is Gill India’s Next Batting Titan?

The Shubman Gill Virat Kohli path isn’t about replicating stats—it’s about embracing the same journey of responsibility, resilience, and relentless self-improvement. Irfan Pathan’s endorsement carries weight because it’s rooted in lived experience, not hype. While Gill still has mountains to climb, the foundation is being laid with the same bricks that built Kohli’s legacy. If he continues on this course, the cricketing world may not just gain another star—but another standard-bearer for a generation.

Sources

Times of India. “‘This is how greatness is built’: Former India cricketer backs Shubman Gill to follow Virat Kohli’s path.” January 1, 2026. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…
British Journal of Sports Medicine. “Leadership Development and Performance Under Pressure in Elite Athletes.” 2023.
ESPNcricinfo. “Shubman Gill Career Stats and Captaincy Record.”
BCCI. Official match reports and team announcements, 2024–2025.