Virat Kohli has been the backbone of Indian cricket for over a decade, carrying forward the legacy left behind by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. His relentless hunger for runs, ability to thrive under pressure, and match-winning performances across formats have cemented his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Kohli’s dominance, particularly in ODI chases, has made him the benchmark for young cricketers aspiring to reach the pinnacle of world cricket.
As Kohli moves into the later phase of his career, the inevitable debate arises: who will be the next superstar to take his place? Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has offered his perspective, naming Shubman Gill as the most likely successor to Kohli’s legacy.
Mohammad Hafeez’s Bold Statement: Shubman Gill is the Next Kohli
Speaking on Tapmad, Hafeez drew striking parallels between Kohli and Gill, noting that the young Indian batter has been striving to emulate Kohli’s approach since breaking into the national team.
“This batsman has been termed as the second Virat Kohli of world cricket. Shubman Gill has been trying to become the next Virat Kohli for the last three years, ever since he has come into the Indian team, Gill has been trying to carry forward Virat Kohli’s legacy. He is trying to make himself the next Virat Kohli. The way Gill is moving forward, it is understood that he wants to carry forward Kohli’s legacy,” Hafeez remarked.
Hafeez’s statement carries weight, considering Gill’s rapid rise in international cricket. He has already demonstrated the ability to play match-winning knocks under pressure, a hallmark of Kohli’s career. His technique, temperament, and hunger for big runs have drawn comparisons to the Indian maestro.
Striking Similarities: Kohli’s Influence on Gill’s Approach
Hafeez further elaborated on how Gill’s game mirrors that of Kohli, particularly in high-pressure situations. He pointed out that, much like Kohli in his prime, Gill adapts his batting style based on match conditions, a trait that separates great players from the rest.
“The way Kohli used to bat in his prime career, Gill is also doing the same. Gill bats according to the situation of the match in pressure matches. A glimpse of Kohli is also seen in Gill. Gill scored a century against Bangladesh but it is the slowest century of his ODI career. But I am happier that he batted in accordance with the condition of the pitch, he understood the pressure of the match and batted accordingly. Gill controlled the game,” Hafeez added.
This statement gains credibility when looking at Gill’s latest match-winning innings in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh. In a challenging run chase, Gill remained unbeaten on 101 off 129 balls, steering India to victory. While it may not have been the flashiest knock, it showcased his maturity and ability to anchor an innings—traits that defined Kohli’s early years.
The Art of Chasing: Kohli’s Legacy Passed to Gill?
One of Kohli’s most defining qualities has been his exceptional record in chases. His unmatched ability to read the situation, pace the innings, and accelerate at the right moments has made him one of the greatest ODI chasers of all time.
Gill is slowly developing a similar reputation. While his strike rate in the Bangladesh game was on the lower side, his match awareness and composure mirrored Kohli’s calculated approach in tense situations. The ability to control the game, rather than blindly attacking, is something that separates a promising batter from a legendary one.
Why Hafeez’s Claim is Factually Correct?
Hafeez’s assertion that Gill is the heir to Kohli’s throne isn’t just based on intuition—it is backed by numbers and on-field performances. Here’s why:
1. Gill’s Growing Leadership Role
Just as MS Dhoni groomed Kohli to take over as India’s captain, Gill is now being primed for leadership. He has already been entrusted with vice-captaincy in limited-overs formats, a clear indication that the team management sees him as a future leader.
2. Kohli’s Early Career vs. Gill’s Current Trajectory
If we compare Kohli’s career between 2012-2015 and Gill’s current phase, the similarities are uncanny. Kohli, at that time, had already started establishing himself as India’s most dependable batter, while Gill is currently going through the same phase, scoring heavily across formats.
3. Consistency and Match Awareness
One of Kohli’s biggest strengths is his ability to perform consistently across formats, something that Gill is now replicating. Whether it is ODIs, Tests, or T20s, Gill has shown a remarkable ability to adjust his game and perform under different conditions.
4. Fitness and Work Ethic
Kohli revolutionized fitness in Indian cricket, setting new benchmarks for athleticism. Gill, too, has embraced the same philosophy, maintaining high fitness standards, which is essential for longevity and sustained excellence in international cricket.
The Road Ahead: Can Gill Live Up to the Expectations?
While Hafeez’s comparison holds merit, Gill still has a long journey ahead to match Kohli’s achievements. Kohli’s career is defined by historic ICC tournament performances, multiple ICC trophies, and unforgettable match-winning innings against top teams. To truly take over the mantle, Gill will need to deliver when it matters the most—big tournaments, crunch situations, and against the toughest opponents.
Gill has shown promise, but sustained excellence over a decade will determine whether he can truly become the next Virat Kohli. As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on him to see if he can continue his dominance and lead India to glory.
Final Verdict: The Making of a Modern Great
Virat Kohli’s influence on Indian cricket is undeniable, but as he nears the twilight of his career, India needs a new superstar to carry the torch forward. Hafeez’s assessment that Shubman Gill is the next Kohli isn’t far-fetched, given his temperament, technique, and performances.
While it is too early to declare Gill as Kohli’s successor, his growth trajectory suggests that he is well on his way to becoming India’s next cricketing icon. If he continues to develop his game, absorb pressure, and dominate across formats, there is no reason why he cannot follow in Kohli’s footsteps and leave his own lasting legacy in world cricket.
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