A New Era in Indian Cricket: Shubman Gill

From Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, to Virat Kohli — Indian cricket fans have always rallied behind one iconic name during each era. Now, a new chapter is unfolding. With Virat Kohli nearing the twilight of his career, fans and the cricketing market alike are looking for the next big face. That name might very well be Shubman Gill.

The Rise of Cricket Icons

Gavaskar and Kapil brought mass appeal to Indian cricket, inspiring generations and winning hearts, including female fans. Their influence paved the way for Sachin Tendulkar, who picked up the bat with Gavaskar as inspiration and went on to become the "God of Cricket", rewriting countless records.

As Sachin approached retirement, MS Dhoni’s brand image rose sharply. Even while Sachin was still active, Dhoni’s name began to roar across the country. After Sachin stepped down, Dhoni became the face of the endorsement market, bagging massive deals and reaching new commercial heights.

Then came Virat Kohli, who flourished under Dhoni’s captaincy and went on to lead India himself. His aggressive style and consistency made him a natural successor to the cricketing legacy. Despite Rohit Sharma's brilliance, both he and Kohli are nearing the end of their careers simultaneously, marking a transition phase in Indian cricket.

Enter Shubman Gill

That transition may not last long — because Shubman Gill is rapidly rising to fill the void. At just 25 years old, Gill already has four years of international experience, having first made a mark in Test cricket before expanding into ODIs and IPL.

Surprisingly, Gill has also been handed the Test captaincy, a huge responsibility at his age. But his stellar form has more than justified the decision, doubling his image value overnight.

During the ongoing Test series against England, particularly from the second Test onwards, Gill’s stature has grown immensely. His performances have not only won matches but also caught the public's imagination — the same way Sachin, Dhoni, and Kohli once did.

If Gill continues his current form throughout the series, he could soon be rewriting records, especially in England — a feat that carries special prestige in world cricket. Performing well in nations like Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand is often seen as the path to legendary status.

Market Value & Commercial Appeal

It’s not just on the field that Gill is making waves. The advertising world also seems to have found its next star. He already features in several brand endorsements and commands a significant deal in the IPL. He is part of BCCI’s Rs 5 crore central contract, highlighting his value to Indian cricket.

With a growing presence in ads, consistent on-field performance, and a composed, marketable personality, Shubman Gill is on track to become the next superstar — not just for fans, but also for brands and the global cricketing audience.