Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has praised Shubman Gill for his outstanding performance in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh, suggesting that the young Indian batter is poised to take Virat Kohli’s legacy forward.
On the eve of the match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma highlighted Gill’s exceptional ODI numbers, calling them “crazy.” This was one of the primary reasons Gill was elevated to the vice-captain’s role in the ODI format. In the game against Bangladesh, Gill delivered a match-winning performance, scoring an unbeaten 101 off 129 balls, helping India chase down 229 in 46.3 overs with six wickets in hand.
Gill’s Remarkable ODI Record
Gill’s performance in ODIs has been nothing short of spectacular. In just 51 innings, he has scored eight ODI centuries, the fastest among all Indian batters. This achievement surpasses the milestones set by Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, and even Sachin Tendulkar. Gill’s talent has truly shone in the 50-over format, making him a formidable force in international cricket.
Hafeez’s Praise for Gill
“For the past three years, since Shubman Gill came to this Indian side, he has been trying to be the next Virat Kohli. He is trying to take that legacy forward,” Mohammad Hafeez said on “Game On Hai.” Hafeez noted that Gill’s eighth ODI century was one of his slowest, taking 125 balls, but it was also one of his most satisfying as he adapted his play to the situation and ensured India stayed in control throughout the match.
Hafeez emphasized Gill’s maturity and ability to handle pressure, saying, “He played against his nature (attacking cricket) and instead of that he produced the match-winning performance. To me, it is heartening to see that someone who is just 25 is controlling the game very well. He knows when to attack and when he needs to absorb the pressure. He is one of the players who likes to perform at the big stage. He took the responsibility and finished the game. He has controlled the game beautifully.”
Conclusion
Shubman Gill’s performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener has further solidified his reputation as one of India’s most promising cricketers. As he continues to develop and showcase his skills, cricket enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if he can indeed take Virat Kohli’s legacy forward and become a new cornerstone of Indian cricket.

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