When Shubman Gill posted the TMM cover on his social media and shared it with his fans, he captioned it with the line – ‘If it weren’t for the dark days, we wouldn’t know what it is to walk in the light…’ The 21-year-old opener from Kolkata Knight Riders could not have said it better. Over the years, it is his dedication and single-minded focus on cricket that has made him a household name today.
From playing cricket in the fields of Punjab to scoring high runs on the cricket ground as part of India’s squad, the young man has come a long way. He might be a soft-spoken guy in real life but put him on the field and he is on fire! The cricketer, who made his international cricket debut in January 2019 has had his best-ever season in IPL 2020, ever since KKR acquired him in 2018 and has emerged as one of the highest run-getters.
The KKR star spoke to TMM about his earliest memories of cricket, having the privilege of his father as his coach and how he has learnt to enjoy fame and success without letting it go to his head.
How is Shubman Gill as a person and what do you remember the most about your early years in Punjab?
I think I’m a fun and outgoing person. My early years were spent in Punjab. As a young boy, I used to live with my grandparents in a village. I would play and practice cricket there. Later, my parents and I shifted to Chandigarh. Those were fun and memorable years. I would go to school and also attend the academy for cricket training.
Your passion for cricket started early on, from when you were three years old. How did this love for the game start? What are some of your earliest memories of playing cricket as a kid?
It all started when I was around two-year-old. My father used to watch a lot of cricket and I would sit with him and watch it. I would imitate the batsmen and mimic their actions as I would see them on the television. My earliest memories are of me playing cricket in the corridors and hall of my house.
Rahul Dravid has been a major influence in your life. What is about him that inspires you?
What really inspires me about Rahul sir is how humble and calm he is and how simple he likes to keep the game.
Your father is your coach. How has that helped your game?
Having my father as my coach has helped me in many ways. I don’t have to go too far for anything. All my confusion is cleared as I go back and forth with him about cricket.
You have travelled a lot across the globe for tours and travels. How has travelling changed you as a person?
We travel a lot and meet a lot of people and see many different cultures. We try to take a lot of good bits out of it. It helps you to be versatile and adaptable.
Sports make you disciplined. What do you think are the important criteria for a sportsperson?
Yes, sports definitely help in instilling a sense of discipline in you. I believe that the most important criteria for a sportsman are hard work, discipline and the ability to move on.
Punjabis are known to be foodies by nature. What do you like to hog on and why?
Yes, definitely Punjabis are foodies. But in the last couple of years, I have developed healthy food habits and a balanced diet. I like to eat steamed and boiled vegetables or grilled chicken. I have developed a taste for it and now, I like it.
From what we know about you, you are quite a fitness buff as well! What fitness tips would you give to boys of your age?
Don’t go by what suits others. It’s important to find out what suits and benefits you. Then you should try and keep doing it better and improve upon it.
Social media is a very interesting platform to influence people. What is your take on it?
Social media can definitely influence people. It can be a blessing if you use it the right way but also really harsh, if not done right.
You have achieved so much at such a young age and you’re a youth icon now. How do you handle responsibility, fame, and success at the same time?
I honestly don’t really feel that I have achieved so much. It’s not really that difficult to handle all the stuff that comes with fame and success. You just have to put your head down, focus on your goals, and keep working hard.
Rapid Fire
Are you a film buff? What are some of your favourite films and actors?
I like watching movies and some of my favourite films are K.G.F, Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish. My favourite actors are Hrithik Roshan and Amber Hood.
A cricketer who inspires you?
From Sachin Tendulkar sir to Virat Kohli sir and Yuvraj Singh sir, I admire them all.
Your fanboy moment?
I was 9 or 10 years old and I went as a practice boy for IPL. There I met the complete team of Kings XI Punjab.
Are you a shopaholic? What is the one thing that you love shopping for?
Oh yes, I’m a shopaholic and I love buying clothes.
Your success mantra?
Keep working hard and stay in the moment.
The outfit you love wearing?
I love layering up clothes and winters is the best season for that!
How do you like to unwind?
I play FIFA on my playstation and listen to music.
A song you have on repeat currently?
A Punjabi song called Malwai is on my playlist on repeat.
If not a cricketer, you would’ve been?
If not a cricketer, I think I would have done something in Science and if not that, then modelling. I would have done various things.
Words: Deepali Singh
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