Shubman Gill’s Bold Vision: Dominate All Formats or Bust

Shubman Gill isn’t just aiming to play cricket across formats—he’s gunning to win everything. In a candid interview ahead of India’s white-ball series against England, the 25-year-old vice-captain laid bare his ambition: to master Tests, ODIs, and T20Is simultaneously, despite the mounting physical and mental toll it demands .

Shubman Gill on the All-Format Grind

“I want to play all the formats and succeed in all the formats,” Gill told ESPNcricinfo. “If I want to do that, then this is the challenge I have to go through.”

His words come at a pivotal moment. After a stellar 2023—where he smashed a double-century in ODIs and led Gujarat Titans to an IPL final—Gill’s 2024 was marked by inconsistent returns and a brief drop from the Test side. Rather than retreat, he’s doubling down.

Why Shubman Gill Believes He Can Pull It Off

Unlike many modern players who specialize, Gill insists versatility is his strength. “I don’t see formats as separate identities,” he explained. “It’s all cricket. The mindset shifts, but the core—watching the ball, trusting your technique—that stays.”

His confidence isn’t unfounded. In 2023, he became only the third Indian to score 1,000+ ODI runs in a calendar year. He’s also among the fastest to 2,000 T20I runs. And though his Test average hovers around 35, his twin fifties in the recent West Indies tour signaled a comeback in red-ball cricket .

The Physical and Mental Toll of Being an All-Format Player

Gill openly acknowledges the strain. “There’s no off-season anymore,” he said. “You finish a Test, fly to a T20 league, then prep for ODIs. Recovery isn’t just physical—it’s mental.”

Yet, he sees this as part of the evolution of elite cricket. With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, Gill believes India needs players who can switch gears instantly.

Leadership Aspirations: More Than Just Runs

Already vice-captain in white-ball cricket, Gill is being groomed as a future leader. “I want to contribute beyond my batting—on field placements, reading match-ups, helping younger guys,” he shared.

His calm demeanor and tactical awareness have drawn praise from teammates. During the recent Asia Cup, he was often seen discussing field settings with captain Rohit Sharma—a sign of growing influence.

What’s Next for Shubman Gill?

With India set to face England in a five-match T20I series followed by three ODIs, all eyes will be on Gill’s ability to anchor innings in varying conditions. A strong showing could cement his role as the linchpin of India’s batting across formats.

And if his mindset is any indication, he’s ready. “I don’t want to look back and wonder ‘what if?’” he said. “I want to look forward and win everything I can, in every format.”

Sources

• ESPNcricinfo: Gill wants ‘to look forward and win everything’ he can, in every format
• ICC Official Site – Player Rankings & Stats