You know what they say about fairytales? Sometimes they come true on cricket pitches. And if you’ve been following Indian cricket lately, you’ve witnessed one of the most remarkable royal ascensions in recent memory. The Prince of Cricket isn’t just a catchy nickname anymore – it’s a testament to how one young man from Punjab has redefined what it means to carry the hopes of a billion cricket-crazy fans.
What Shubman Gill has accomplished isn’t just about numbers on a scoreboard. It’s about grace under pressure, leadership beyond his years, and a batting style so elegant it makes poets weep. When he recently smashed that record-breaking double century in England, breaking Gavaskar’s 46-year record, it wasn’t just runs – it was a statement.
The Making of a Prince
Why is Shubman Gill called the Prince of Cricket? This question pops up everywhere, and honestly, the answer is written in his journey. Born in Fazilka, Punjab, on September 8, 1999, Gill didn’t just stumble into greatness – he crafted it, one innings at a time.
Scoring a staggering 372 runs at an average of 124, this prodigious talent earned the Player of the Tournament award at the U19 World Cup, making the cricketing world take notice. That’s when we first glimpsed the prince in action. But here’s the thing – being called a prince isn’t about birthright in cricket; it’s about earning your crown through sheer brilliance.
The Royal Statistics
Let me break down why this prince wears his crown so well:
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Current ICC ODI Ranking | 1st position with 784 points |
| ICC Test Ranking | 21st position with 660 points |
| IPL 2025 Retention | ₹16.50 crore with Gujarat Titans |
| Champions Trophy 2025 | Won as vice captain |
| Recent Test Record | 269 runs – highest by Indian in England |
The Birmingham Masterclass: A Royal Performance
New captain Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 114 led India’s gritty effort to 310-5 against England on day one of the second test in Birmingham, but that was just the appetizer. What followed was pure poetry in motion.
The records that fell during Gill’s heroic 269 in Birmingham include:
- 7th highest score by an Indian batter in Test cricket
- Highest score by an Indian captain (Previous best: Virat Kohli – 254* vs South Africa, 2019)
- Highest score by an Indian batter in England (Previous best: Sunil Gavaskar – 221 vs England, 1979)
- Highest score by an Indian captain in away Test (Previous best: Virat Kohli – 200 vs West Indies, 2016)
- 2nd Indian captain to score double century in away Test
- 6th Indian captain to score double century
- 2nd-youngest Indian captain to score double century
It was absolute carnage from Gill as Ben Stokes and his Bazballers could only watch and wonder, ‘Maybe we shouldn’t have woken the beast up’.
The IPL Kingdom: Gujarat’s Golden Boy
Which IPL team does Shubman Gill play for in 2025? Gujarat Titans, and they’re not letting him go anywhere. The Ahmedabad-based franchise has doubled Gill’s salary while retaining him at INR 16.50 crore, and for good reason.
His pivotal contributions helped GT win the IPL 2022 title, and he followed that with a record-breaking IPL 2023 season, where he scored 890 runs with four centuries. That’s not just consistency – that’s dominance with a smile.
Here’s what makes Gill special in the IPL:
- Career IPL Stats: 4 centuries and 26 half-centuries, with his highest IPL score being 129 runs
- Power Numbers: 372 fours and 119 sixes in his IPL career
- Leadership: Captain of GT since 2024, bringing that princely calm to high-pressure situations
The Art of Royal Batting
What makes Shubman Gill’s technique so special? Watch him bat, and you’ll understand why cricket purists get misty-eyed. His cover drive is poetry, his pull shot is power, and his temperament? That’s pure gold.
Championships and Crowns: The 2025 Triumph
With his country, he won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as vice captain, proving that his leadership extends beyond just wearing the captain’s armband. Sometimes the best leaders are the ones who know when to follow, and Gill showed that maturity throughout the tournament.
What was Shubman Gill’s role in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory? He was the anchor, the steady hand that kept the ship sailing even when the waters got choppy. His batting average in the tournament was ridiculous, his temperament unshakeable, and his contribution invaluable.
The Future King?
Look, I’ve seen a lot of cricket in my time. I’ve watched legends rise and fall, witnessed careers that promised everything and delivered nothing. But with Shubman Gill, there’s something different. Shubman Gill, No Longer Prince But Now The New King – that’s what they’re saying now, and honestly, I can’t argue with it.
How does Shubman Gill’s batting style compare to Virat Kohli? While Kohli brought aggression and passion, Gill brings elegance and composure. Where Kohli would sledge and stare down opponents, Gill lets his bat do the talking. Both approaches work, but Gill’s feels more… regal.
The Royal Comparison
| Aspect | Virat Kohli | Shubman Gill |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Aggressive, passionate | Calm, composed |
| Technique | Solid, adaptable | Classical, elegant |
| Leadership Style | Vocal, inspiring | Quiet, leading by example |
| Pressure Handling | Thrives on confrontation | Stays cool under fire |
The Prince’s Court: Team Dynamics
How did Shubman Gill become India’s youngest Test captain? Merit, pure and simple. When you consistently perform across formats, when you show maturity beyond your years, and when you handle pressure like it’s just another day at the office, captaincy becomes inevitable.
The transition from being just another talented youngster to becoming the leader of the pack wasn’t accidental. Shubman Gill brought up his second Test century as captain in sublime style, and that’s the kind of leadership that inspires confidence.
The Commercial Crown
What is Shubman Gill’s net worth and IPL auction price? While exact net worth figures are private, his IPL retention alone tells a story. ₹16.50 crore with Gujarat Titans makes him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
But here’s the thing – the money follows the performance, not the other way around. Gill earned every rupee of that retention fee through consistent excellence.
The Prince’s Philosophy
I had a chance to understand Gill’s mindset through various interviews, and what strikes me most is his humility. Despite all the accolades, despite being called the Prince of Cricket, he remains grounded. He talks about learning from every innings, every mistake, every success.
The Final Word
So, why is Shubman Gill called the Prince of Cricket? Because sometimes, the game gives us exactly what we need, exactly when we need it. In an era of uncertainties, Gill provides stability. In a world of noise, he brings quiet confidence. In a sport that can break hearts, he gives us reasons to believe.
The prince has arrived, and honestly, the kingdom has never looked better. Whether he becomes the king or remains the beloved prince, one thing is certain – Indian cricket’s future is secure in his elegant hands.