NEW DELHI: Parallels are often drawn when a new player bursts into the spotlight with standout performances, making comparisons almost inevitable. Over the years, Sachin Tendulkar was likened to Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli to Tendulkar, and the cycle has continued with every new generation.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan sparked a debate by drawing comparisons between his own journey and that of Shubman Gill. He also emphasised that Gill needs to adapt to the responsibilities that come with leading teams across different formats of the game.
"When I entered the Indian team at the age of 19, the great Rahul Dravid told me that you have come to the team, it is good, but things would get tougher from here," Pathan said on Jiostar.
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"The same can be said for Gill. He became captain in that England series; he increased his average and authority within the team. Then he got the ODI captaincy. When that happens, you get an opportunity to grow a lot," Pathan said.
Gill's record-breaking performance in the Test series against England drew comparisons with Kohli, with experts suggesting that India may have found an able successor to the former captain. Pathan added that such comparisons are inevitable.
"He has a lot of talent. There will always be comparisons. Virat was compared with Sachin and now Gill is being compared to Virat, who has scored those 25000-30000 runs," Pathan noted.
I think he is fully capable of it. He has a fine range of shots. The more responsibility and challenges he gets, he will grow as a cricketer. I have seen that he is always ready for cricket," Pathan added.
Despite being named vice-captain during the Asia Cup following an impressive tour of England, Gill has now been left out of India's T20I squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup due to poor form.
Gill failed to score a single half-century in 2025 and struggled during India's home T20I series against South Africa as well as the eight-match white-ball tour of Australia. An underwhelming Asia Cup 2025 campaign in the UAE, combined with stiff competition from players like Sanju Samson, further weakened his case for selection.
