Following India’s commencement of their journey in the Asia Cup 2025 with a convincing triumph over UAE, the team’s second-in-command, Shubman Gill, has provided supporters with a glimpse into his cherished aspects and cricketing role models. During a recent conversation presented by Apple Music on YouTube, Gill spoke candidly about his preferred ground in England, his preferred TV program, and the two celebrated figures he admires.
Shubman Gill reveals his favourite cricket ground
Gill, who recently led the Indian side in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, identified Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham as his preferred location. The 24-year-old’s selection was not arbitrary—he had recorded one of his career’s standout performances at the venue earlier in the year. Leading India for the first time in Test matches, Gill steered his team to a 2-2 series tie, while also emerging as the leading run-scorer with 754 runs in 10 innings, maintaining an impressive average of 75.40, which included four centuries.
Commenting on his choice, Gill stated, “I would say Birmingham now because my highest Test score is there. So, Birmingham.”
Gill’s favourite TV show?
Shifting away from the realm of cricket, Gill was also questioned about his entertainment inclinations. When prompted about his preferred television series, the promising batting talent promptly mentioned Peaky Blinders, the widely recognized British crime drama that unfolds in Birmingham during the post-World War I period.
“My all-time favourite TV show is Peaky Blinders,” Gill disclosed with a smile. This selection has resonated with numerous fans, who often connect Gill’s composed yet resolute demeanor with the determined characters featured in the series.
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Two idols who shaped Gill’s journey
Arguably the most illuminating segment of the discussion occurred when Gill was asked about his cricketing heroes. The batter, hailing from Punjab, cited two distinguished figures who have influenced his career, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
“I have had two idols. The first one was Sachin. He was my dad’s favourite, and I got into cricket because of him. He retired in 2013. Around 2011, 2012, 2013 was actually when I started to have real knowledge about cricket: like how the game works, more than just skill, like mental and tactical,” Gill elaborated.
He further expressed that what impressed him the most was Kohli’s dedication to the sport and his aspiration for success. According to Gill, skills and methods in cricket are things one can acquire through constant practice and training, but the strong will and inherent urge to excel at the highest level are innate traits — something you either possess or you don’t. Gill believes that Kohli displayed this drive in abundance, which profoundly encouraged him.
“I loved watching Virat bhai, Virat Kohli, how he used to go about his business and just the sheer passion that he had for the game and the real hunger. Because passion and hunger is one thing; you can learn all the skills, all the technique, and all of that, but hunger is something that you can’t learn. Either you have it in you, or you don’t. And it was something that he had so much, and it really inspired me,” Gill revealed.
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