In a refreshing take that reflects the changing landscape of Indian cricket, young cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi has revealed that his inspiration comes not from the legendary Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, but from a 25-year-old rising star who has made a significant impact in recent years. During a candid interview, Suryavanshi explained that while he respects Kohli and Sharma for their achievements, it is this new-age cricketer's journey, mindset, and work ethic that truly resonate with him.
Although Suryavanshi did not initially name the player, he later confirmed that his role model is Shubman Gill, a young batsman who has quickly established himself as one of the most technically sound and mentally focused players in Indian cricket. Gill's rise through the ranks—from leading India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup to becoming a consistent performer in Test matches and the Indian Premier League—has been marked by maturity beyond his years.
Vaibhav praised Gill for his calm approach to pressure situations, his adaptability across formats, and his disciplined lifestyle. According to Suryavanshi, Gill represents the new wave of Indian cricketers who combine traditional technique with modern fitness and strategic understanding. He added that Gill's humble nature and focus on constant improvement set a benchmark for young players like himself.
This statement by Suryavanshi is significant, considering the massive influence that players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have had on the game over the past decade. Both veterans have inspired a generation of cricketers with their aggressive style, fitness regimes, and numerous records. However, the admiration for someone like Shubman Gill points to a shift among younger players, who are looking at new-age cricketers as relatable figures in terms of age, background, and playing philosophy.
Suryavanshi also spoke about how watching Gill’s innings helped him improve his own technique, particularly while playing pace bowlers. He emphasized that the ability to stay composed under pressure and focus on fundamentals is something he tries to emulate in his own game.
Experts believe that such shifts in role models reflect the healthy evolution of Indian cricket, where multiple players across different age groups are now setting examples both on and off the field. The rise of young talents like Gill has created more diverse role models for the next generation of cricketers.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is currently seen as a promising talent in the domestic cricket circuit. His acknowledgment of Shubman Gill as an inspiration adds to the growing respect that Gill commands among peers and upcoming players.
As Indian cricket continues to evolve, the emergence of new icons such as Shubman Gill, and the admiration they inspire, reflect a broader cultural change within the sport—one that celebrates discipline, consistency, and humility alongside talent.
