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As India gears up for the much-anticipated T20 Asia Cup 2025, one name that has been in the spotlight is Shubman Gill. Appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian team, Gill’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable.
From his successful leadership stint during India‘s England tour to his stellar performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gill is now seen as a key figure in India’s cricketing future. In a video released by Star Sports India on Gill’s birthday on September 8, Gill shared personal insights, including the story behind his famous jersey number, 77, and some interesting aspects of his career and life.
Shubman Gill: The story behind jersey No 77 ahead of T20 Asia Cup 2025
While cricket jerseys often hold deep personal meaning for players, Gill’s number 77 has a unique story behind it. Speaking about his choice of number, Gill revealed that he originally wanted the number 7 for the Under-19 World Cup. However, with the number unavailable, he opted for ‘two sevens’ instead.
“My jersey number is 77, and the reason behind getting it was when I played the Under-19 World Cup and wanted number seven, but it wasn’t available, so I took two sevens,” Gill said.
Every cricketer has their favorite challenge, and for Gill, it’s facing India’s premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, in the nets. Gill explained that he enjoys the battle with Bumrah, calling it the toughest yet most rewarding challenge. Bumrah, known for his intense pace and precise deliveries, provides a test that sharpens Gill’s batting skills.
“One battle I enjoy the most is facing Bumrah in the nets. He is always on you, and he never gives you an inch. He always wants to intimidate you, show you that he is the best,” Gill concluded.
Gill’s stellar performances with the bat for India in recent times
Gill has truly emerged as one of the most consistent batters in modern cricket. His remarkable form has seen him become one of India’s leading players in both Test and Limited Overs formats. A recent highlight of his career was his record-breaking performance during India’s Test tour of England. In that series, Gill amassed a staggering 758 runs, including four centuries. His ability to perform under pressure made him a standout performer, even when leading the Indian side for the first time.
Gill’s exceptional form continued in the IPL, where he played as the captain of the Gujarat Titans in the 2025 season. Under his leadership, the Titans flourished, and Gill displayed his all-round skills, scoring 650 runs in 15 matches. His average of 50 and a blistering strike rate of 155.87 were key highlights of his IPL 2025 season, proving his credentials not just as a batsman, but as a leader too.
As Gill gears up to play a key role in the Asia Cup, his recent performances and leadership experiences make him an essential part of India’s plans. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the team, Gill’s appointment as the vice-captain only showcased his growing importance in the Indian cricket team.
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