From being a young prodigy to cementing his place as one of the world’s contemporary cricketing superstars, the meteoric rise of our talismanic captain Shubman Gill has already set the benchmark for the next generation.

Since showcasing his generational talent in the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup to guide India to their fourth title, Shubman has already etched his name in Indian cricket’s folklore with his incredible consistency, talent and hard work on the international and domestic stage.  

Having made his international debut in 2019, Gill has amassed 2,775 runs in 55 ODIs at a staggering average of 59.04, including eight centuries and 15 fifties. In cricket’s longest format, the right-handed batting talisman has racked up 2,647 runs in 37 Tests at an average of 41.35, comprising nine hundreds and seven half-centuries. Gill has also scored 578 runs in 21 T20Is at an average of 30.42, featuring one ton and three fifties.

Apart from his brilliant record in international cricket, Gill has emerged as one of the consistent performers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since his IPL debut in 2018, he has accumulated 3,866 runs in 118 matches at an average of 39.45 and a strike rate of 138.72, with four centuries and 26 fifties to his name.

As we celebrate our captain’s 26th birthday, let’s relive some of his best moments in a Titans’ jersey.

Guiding the Titans to maiden IPL title

Shubman Gill played a pivotal role in powering us to our first-ever IPL title in our debut season in 2022. Opening for the Titans, Gill led from the front with his scintillating batting performances throughout the season. With 483 runs in 16 games, Gill wrapped the season as the fifth-highest scorer, including slamming four half-centuries. His consistent performances helped us clinch our maiden IPL title after we defeated Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the 2022 final at our fortress, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Claiming the coveted Orange Cap in IPL 2023

GIll took his batsmanship to astronomical heights in the 2023 edition of the IPL. Having amassed 890 runs in 17 matches, the Titans superstar bagged the Orange Cap in what proved to be a breakout tournament for him. Apart from winning the coveted Orange Cap, Gill recorded the second-highest runs in a single IPL season, only behind Virat Kohli’s 973 runs in 2016. 

Youngest to win the Orange Cap in IPL

Gill also became the youngest player to win the Orange Cap, claiming the award at just 23 years of age. Gill's journey from a young prodigy to one of the most promising cricketers in the world has been nothing short of extraordinary. As he turns 26, he continues to make history, and the world eagerly awaits the many more records he is sure to break in the future.

Fourth Player to Cross 800 Runs in an IPL season

The Punjab-born cricketer also became just the fourth player in IPL history to reach the milestone of 800-run mark. Interestingly, Gill fell short of just 10 runs of being the second player behind Virat Kohli to surpass the 900-run mark in the IPL. With 890 runs in IPL 2023, Gill joined an illustrious list, featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler, and David Warner. Warner amassed 848 runs in 2016, while his Titans’ teammate Buttler accrued 863 runs in 2022, and Kohli set the record with 973 runs in 2016.  

Highest individual score in IPL Playoffs

Gill holds the record for the highest individual score in an IPL Playoff game. Gill rose to the challenge in a must-win Qualifier 2 match against Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Put in to bat, Gill slammed the MI bowlers to all parts of the ground to hammer 129 runs off just 60 balls. His magnificent knock was laced with seven fours and 10 sixes. His knock helped the Titans post a mammoth score of 233/3 in the allotted overs, which also ensured our place in the IPL 2023 final.

Youngest Player to Play 100 IPL Matches

Adding to his list of records, Gill became the youngest player to play 100 matches in the IPL. He reached this milestone on April 24, 2024, while playing against Delhi Capitals. This achievement is a testament to Gill’s consistency and durability in one of the most demanding cricket leagues in the world.

A True Titan

Gill has also demonstrated his loyalty by scoring all four of his centuries for the Titans. Gill's century spree began in 2023, where he notched up three centuries, starting with his first against Sunrisers Hyderabad, followed by a century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He capped off the season with a stunning 129 in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians. Continuing his fine form, Gill added a fourth century in 2024, this time against Chennai Super Kings, further cementing his reputation as a consistent match-winner for the Titans.

Scoring the IPL’s 100th Hundred

While former KKR cricketer Brendon McCullum slammed the very first IPL century in the inaugural edition in 2008, Gill has the distinction of scoring the 100th IPL century. Our skipper achieved the incredible feat with a sensational 104 against Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad on May 10, 2024. In the same game, Sai Sudharsan followed up by scoring the 101st century in IPL history.

#TitansFAM, do send your wishes for our captain Gill in the comments section.