In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cricket, transitions are inevitable, yet they often carry the weight of immense expectations. Virat Kohli, the talismanic batsman who redefined aggression and consistency in white-ball cricket, bid farewell to T20 Internationals after India’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. His retirement left a void not just in terms of runs but in the archetype he embodied: the innings anchor, the chase master, and the dependable force in high-stakes tournaments like the Asia Cup. As India gears up for the 2025 Asia Cup, hosted in the UAE from September 8 to 27, all eyes are on Shubman Gill, the 25-year-old vice-captain, to step into those colossal shoes. Former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has boldly proclaimed Gill as the “perfect candidate” to replicate Kohli’s role, sparking debates and optimism in equal measure.
The Asia Cup 2025, featuring eight teams including defending champions India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, UAE, and Oman, promises intense rivalries in the T20 format. With Suryakumar Yadav at the helm as captain and Gill as his deputy, the squad announcement has been a talking point, blending youth with experience. Gill’s inclusion, despite a year-long absence from T20Is, underscores the selectors’ faith in his ability to anchor innings and adapt to situations—traits that defined Kohli’s illustrious career. This article delves into why Gill might just be the heir apparent, exploring his journey, comparisons with Kohli, expert insights, and the challenges ahead.
Virat Kohli’s Enduring Legacy in White-Ball Cricket
To understand the magnitude of the role Gill is poised to inherit, one must revisit Kohli’s unparalleled contributions to Indian cricket, particularly in T20Is and continental tournaments like the Asia Cup. Kohli debuted in T20Is in 2010 and amassed 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an astonishing average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they paint a picture of a batsman who thrived under pressure, often turning potential defeats into victories through meticulous innings-building.
Kohli’s prowess in chases was legendary. He holds the record for the most runs in successful T20I chases, with his ability to pace innings allowing explosive finishers like MS Dhoni or Hardik Pandya to flourish. In the Asia Cup, Kohli’s performances have been pivotal. In the 2016 edition, he scored a match-winning 49 against Pakistan in a low-scoring thriller. Fast-forward to 2022, where despite India’s early exit, Kohli’s unbeaten 122 against Afghanistan showcased his class, ending a century drought and reaffirming his status as ‘Mr. Dependable.’
What set Kohli apart was his versatility. He could anchor when wickets tumbled, accelerate in the middle overs, and finish with flair. His mental fortitude was evident in back-to-back ‘Player of the Tournament’ awards at the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups. Even in ODIs, his Asia Cup exploits— like the 183 against Pakistan in 2012—cemented his reputation as a big-match player. Post-retirement, Kohli reflected on his T20I journey, emphasizing the need for fresh blood to carry the torch. His average remains the highest among players with over 1,900 runs in the format, a benchmark that Gill must aspire to.
Kohli’s role extended beyond batting; he was a leader, a motivator, and a symbol of India’s dominance in Asia. With his exit, the team loses not just a batsman but a psychological edge. However, as Dasgupta notes, Kohli’s blueprint—batting according to the situation, anchoring, and exploding when set—can be emulated by the right talent.
Shubman Gill’s Meteoric Rise and Readiness
Shubman Gill’s journey from a promising Under-19 star to India’s vice-captain is a testament to his talent and temperament. Bursting onto the scene in the 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup, where he scored 418 runs at an average of 104.50 as vice-captain, Gill quickly transitioned to senior cricket. His elegant strokeplay, reminiscent of a young Kohli, earned him spots across formats.
In T20Is, Gill has played 21 matches, scoring 578 runs at an average of 30.42 and a strike rate around 140. While these figures are modest compared to Kohli’s, Gill’s potential shines in the IPL, where he has been a consistent performer for Gujarat Titans. In IPL 2025, he scored over 600 runs, showcasing his ability to build innings and accelerate. Leading the Titans to their maiden title in 2022, Gill’s captaincy experience adds another layer to his profile.
Gill’s strength lies in his adaptability. Unlike pure aggressors, he can play the waiting game, rotating strike early before unleashing boundaries. This mirrors Kohli’s early-career approach, where patience was key. In ODIs, Gill’s average of 59.04 in 55 matches highlights his consistency, including a double century against New Zealand. His Test record, with 2,647 runs in 37 matches at 41.35, shows resilience, vital for pressure situations in the Asia Cup.
Critics questioned Gill’s T20I selection after a hiatus, especially with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion. Both have similar strike rates, but Gill’s higher average and IPL form tipped the scales.Dasgupta defended this, stating Gill’s numbers justify the pick, not randomness.
Expert Insights: Deep Dasgupta’s Endorsement
Deep Dasgupta, a former Indian cricketer with keen analytical acumen, has been vocal about Gill’s potential. In a recent interview following the Asia Cup squad announcement, Dasgupta said, “Shubman is a good example of someone post-Virat’s retirement who can bat according to the situation. Because what Virat did over the years successfully and brilliantly, you also need guys like that who can bat through an innings, build and anchor an innings. For me, Shubman is the perfect candidate after Virat’s retirement who can do that job.”
Dasgupta’s praise isn’t isolated. He highlighted Gill’s IPL exploits, where he’s played a Kohli-like role for three years, anchoring for Gujarat Titans. “He’s got 600-plus runs in the IPL. He’s got good numbers in the T20 format. It’s not that you’re picking some random person,” Dasgupta added, countering doubts about Gill’s form. This endorsement carries weight, as Dasgupta has also backed Gill in Tests, predicting a “rebirth” at No. 4, Kohli’s traditional spot.
Other experts echo this. With Kohli gone, India needs a batsman who can stabilize amid aggressive openers like Rohit Sharma (now retired from T20Is) or Suryakumar. Gill’s composure under pressure, seen in his U-19 heroics and recent domestic outings, positions him ideally.
Statistical Comparisons and Team Dynamics
A side-by-side look at stats reveals intriguing parallels and gaps. Kohli’s T20I average of 48.69 dwarfs Gill’s 30.42, but at 25, Gill has time to bridge this. Both boast high strike rates—Kohli at 137, Gill around 138 in IPL—indicating explosive potential post-settling.
| Metric | Virat Kohli (T20I) | Shubman Gill (T20I) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 125 | 21 |
| Runs | 4,188 | 578 |
| Average | 48.69 | 30.42 |
| Strike Rate | 137.04 | ~140 |
| Centuries | 1 | 0 |
| Fifties | 38 | 3 |
Gill’s IPL stats are more promising: 3,866 runs in 118 matches at 39.45, with four centuries. Compared to Jaiswal, Gill’s average edges out, justifying his vice-captaincy.
India’s 2025 Asia Cup squad, announced recently, features a mix: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and others. Returns of Gill and Bumrah add depth, with selectors eyeing a balanced unit for UAE conditions. The squad has three potential captains, blending experience with youth.
Challenges Ahead for Gill
Despite the hype, Gill faces hurdles. Consistency in T20Is is key; his average suggests room for improvement. Asia Cup pitches can be tricky, favoring spinners, where Kohli excelled with technique. Gill must handle pressure from arch-rivals like Pakistan, where Kohli often shone.
Injuries and form dips have plagued Gill, but his resilience—bouncing back from Test slumps—bodes well. As vice-captain, leadership adds responsibility.
A New Era Beckons
As India embarks on the Asia Cup 2025, Shubman Gill stands at the cusp of greatness. Emulating Kohli’s role isn’t about replication but evolution. With Dasgupta’s backing and solid foundations, Gill could redefine India’s batting core. The tournament will test his mettle, but if history is any guide, India’s transitions—from Tendulkar to Kohli—yield legends. Gill might just be next in line.
