Gill eyes WTC Final push after landmark 2025 season

Shubman Gill capped off a stellar 2025 season by clinching the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) at the BCCI Naman Awards, but the India Test captain has already shifted his focus towards guiding the team to the ICC World Test Championship Final.

Gill described the accolade as a special milestone in his career, particularly given the legacy associated with the award. “Obviously, it feels quite amazing to be recognised among cricketers, among the legends and idols that have won this award before me. It’s truly a great honour every time you step on the field to represent your country in a sport that I’ve spent my entire life playing, and to do well in that sport and be recognised by the BCCI is an immense honour,” he said in a BCCI video.

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Reflecting on India’s journey over the past year, Gill highlighted the team’s resilience, especially during the England tour where they bounced back strongly after an early setback. “I think it’s been an amazing journey so far. Going into the England series and coming back to draw the series from where we were after the first Test match, and even after that, playing in the West Indies and the Asia Cup it’s been a truly great year,” he noted.

Looking ahead, the 26-year-old underlined the importance of a demanding Test calendar, with key series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia likely to shape India’s chances in the World Test Championship. India are currently placed sixth, with four wins and a draw from nine matches, making the road to the final a crucial objective.

“We’ve got some really crucial Test series coming up. Hopefully we are able to win most of our matches and qualify for the finals,” he said.

Gill credited the collective effort of the team’s support system, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and the wider coaching staff, for building a fearless unit. “It’s efforts by everyone, whether it’s Gauti bhai, the batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach; they all work tirelessly to make this group what it is today. That’s why we are recognised as one of the most fearless teams in the world, and wherever we go, we are looked upon as favourites. That tag doesn’t come easy,” he added.

He also acknowledged the role played by the Board of Control for Cricket in India and former secretary Jay Shah, the current ICC chairman, in strengthening infrastructure and player support systems.

“The support that we have got from the BCCI, especially Jay bhai and all the office bearers, has been great. The initiatives they’ve taken to take our cricket forward have really helped us immensely. Even when I got injured, the training, practice and facilities played a huge role in performance,” Gill said.

On the topic of legacy, Gill emphasised a team-first approach, particularly in the longest format. “I don’t really focus on legacy that much, but we want to be looked upon, especially in red-ball cricket, as a team that doesn’t give up easily. We want to instil that kind of character in all players,” he explained.

Gill had been in prolific run with the bat in 2025, especially in the longest format. He amassed 754 runs in five Tests against England at an average of 75.40, including four centuries and a highest score of 269. Overall, he finished as the leading run-scorer in Tests in 2025, tallying 983 runs in nine matches at an average of 70.21.