'Renaming Virat Kohli: Shubman Gill's Dressing Room Cheerleader'

When 19-year-old Shubman Gill first joined the Indian team for an overseas tour of New Zealand in the first half of 2019, Virat Kohli was leading the side in all formats. Kohli was highly impressed by Gill's skills during practice sessions and admitted that he was nowhere near as talented as Gill was at the same age. Since then, Gill has rapidly progressed and secured a place in all three formats of the Indian team. Not only that, he has also been appointed as the vice-captain for the ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy. Throughout Gill's journey, Kohli has been a consistent source of support and guidance for the young cricketer.

Cut to the first ODI against England in Nagpur on February 6, 2025. Kohli was not part of the XI. He was ruled out of the series opener due to a sore left knee. It was a major setback for India, but the injury was not that serious. Resting Kohli was more precautionary, keeping the Champions in mind. But that didn't stop the former captain from cheering from the dressing room. He was at his exuberant best when Gill was batting in full flow.

Gill played some fantastic shots in his 87-run knock that earned him the Player of the Match award, but one particular video went viral. It was on the last ball of the 24th over, bowled by Liam Livingstone. He tossed the ball up, and Gill judged it to perfection. He got a good ride in and used his lovely writs to play a delightful lofted extra cover drive that raced away to the boundary.

Kohli was mighty impressed. When cameras panned to the dressing room, an awestruck Kohli was seen clapping. The video went viral. "His biggest cheerleader in the team," wrote a fan referring to Kohli's fondness for Gill while sharing the clip.

Gill, who scored a clinical 87 in India's four-wicket victory against England in Nagpur, told Disney-Hotstar: "It's nothing serious. He (Kohli) was fine during yesterday's (Wednesday) practice, but he woke up with some swelling in his knee this morning (Thursday). He'll definitely be back for the second ODI."

The top-order batter said he did not get carried away while approaching his century, adding that he would have played the shot, which ultimately got him, even if he was in his 60s.

Jos Buttler took a diving catch at mid-on off Saqib Mahmood's bowling as Gill, trying to pace the innings, mistimed a shot to leave India at 235/6.

"No, I wasn't thinking about my century. I was focused on the field placements and played my shots accordingly. I wanted to dominate the bowler, and I would have played the same shot even if I was in my 60s," Gill said.

Gill, who usually opens the innings in ODIs, said he had no problem coming in at No.3 in the series against England.

"I play at No. 3 in Tests, so it wasn't a big adjustment. It's always a challenge at that position because you have to adapt to the game situation. If the team loses quick wickets, you need to play sensibly. If the team starts well, you need to carry the momentum. My approach was simple — play according to the situation."

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