In a moment that could define the next chapter of Indian cricket, young batting sensation Shubman Gill has broken a long-standing record set by the modern great Virat Kohli. The 25-year-old from Punjab, already hailed as the ‘Prince’ of Indian cricket, surpassed Kohli’s record for the fastest Indian to reach 5,000 runs in international cricket across formats, doing so in fewer innings and at a striking average.
The record-breaking moment came during India’s thrilling match against South Africa at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. Gill, opening the innings under a cloudless sky and in front of a capacity crowd, batted with a calm authority that belied his years. With a perfectly timed boundary through the covers off Kagiso Rabada, Gill etched his name into history, overtaking the record that Kohli had set nearly a decade ago.
A New Torchbearer
For Indian fans, the achievement is about more than just numbers. Shubman Gill’s rise feels symbolic—a generational shift as Indian cricket transitions into a new era. Since making his international debut in 2019, Gill has impressed with his elegant stroke play, composure, and an insatiable hunger for runs. His consistency across formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—has led many to see him as the natural heir to Kohli’s legacy.
Virat Kohli, who redefined batting standards for India in the past decade, had taken 114 innings to reach 5,000 runs across formats. Shubman Gill has now achieved the milestone in just 105 innings, reflecting both the evolution of the modern game and Gill’s exceptional talent.
A Moment of Respect
Interestingly, Kohli himself was on the field to witness Gill’s feat. In a heartwarming gesture, Kohli was among the first to congratulate the youngster, sharing a brief handshake and a few words that cameras couldn’t quite catch—but fans speculate were words of encouragement and pride.
Social media erupted instantly, with #ShubmanGill and #KingGill trending nationwide. Fans, former players, and cricket analysts praised Gill’s remarkable journey from an U-19 World Cup star to a mainstay in the senior team.
Numbers That Speak Volumes
Gill’s journey to 5,000 runs has been characterized by remarkable consistency: an average touching the mid-50s and a healthy strike rate in limited overs. His hundreds in challenging overseas conditions—such as his memorable 91 at the Gabba against Australia and a recent century in England—have marked him out as a player for the big stage.
Beyond individual milestones, his performances have often come at crucial moments, anchoring India’s innings or accelerating when needed. This versatility has made him invaluable to the team’s plans across formats.
Eyes on the Future
With age firmly on his side, cricket experts believe Gill could go on to break many more records. As the Indian team eyes major tournaments, including next year’s ICC Champions Trophy and the 2027 World Cup, expectations from Gill are bound to grow.
Yet, those who know him describe him as grounded and focused, qualities that might ensure his rise continues steadily rather than spectacularly. For now, Indian fans can celebrate the fact that after Kohli, the team has found another young batter ready to take the game forward—and perhaps, to even greater heights.
As the cheers in Delhi faded into the evening, it felt like more than just a record had been broken. It felt like history had quietly handed the baton to a new king in the making.
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