When the chips were down at 144/4 chasing 229 against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener on February 20, one man stood tall: Shubman Gill. His unbeaten 101 off 98 balls didn’t just secure a 6-wicket win for India—it sent a message. At just 25, Gill is no longer the “next big thing”—he’s the real deal, and his masterclass in Dubai has cricket fans buzzing from X to WhatsApp groups. Is he the new king of chases, ready to take over from Virat Kohli? Let’s dive into why his “Shubman Gill century” in “India vs Bangladesh CT 2025” is the talk of the town and what it means for India’s future in this tournament and beyond.
Shubman Gill century: The Moment That Defined Gill’s Greatness
Imagine this: India’s chase is wobbling. Rohit Sharma’s explosive 41 is a distant memory, Virat Kohli’s scratchy 22 ends with a miscue, and Shreyas Iyer’s brief 15 leaves the dressing room tense. Bangladesh’s leggie Rishad Hossain is spinning a web, and at 144/4 in the 32nd over, the 229-run target feels miles away. Enter Shubman Gill—calm, composed, and clinical.
Gill, already on 60-odd, takes a deep breath, surveys the field, and begins his assault. A flick through midwicket here, a lofted cover drive there, and suddenly, the pressure evaporates. Alongside KL Rahul’s steady 41*, he stitches an unbroken 87-run stand, finishing the job with a cracking boundary off Taskin Ahmed in the 47th over—101 not out, game over. India wins with 21 balls to spare, and Gill walks off to a standing ovation.
This wasn’t just a knock—it was a statement. For full highlights of his innings, check out Cricbuzz’s match recap.
Shubman Gill: By the Numbers
At 25, Gill’s stats are jaw-dropping. His 101* against Bangladesh was his eighth ODI century in just 47 matches—an average of one every 5.8 games. Compare that to Virat Kohli, who had five centuries in his first 47 ODIs, or Rohit Sharma, who had two. Gill’s ODI average hovers above 60, and his strike rate of 103 reflects a modern batter who blends aggression with control.
But it’s his chasing prowess that’s turning heads. Since 2023, Gill has scored four centuries in successful ODI chases, including a monstrous 208* against New Zealand. His 101* in CT 2025 now joins that elite list, with an uncanny knack for finishing games—five of his eight tons are unbeaten. Is this the birth of a chase master to rival Kohli, who’s notched 27 centuries in wins?
Stat Spotlight: Gill’s 101* came off 98 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes—efficiency meets flair.
Why This Century Matters for CT 2025
The Champions Trophy has always been India’s proving ground—think Sourav Ganguly’s 141* in 2000 or Kohli’s 81* in the 2013 final. Gill’s knock against Bangladesh wasn’t just about the runs; it was about the situation. With India’s top order faltering—Rohit (41), Kohli (22), and Axar Patel (8) all falling in quick succession—Gill stepped up when it mattered most.
His composure under pressure silenced doubters who’ve questioned his big-tournament temperament. Before CT 2025, Gill’s highest ICC event score was 80 (World Cup 2023 semis vs New Zealand). Now, with a century in his first CT 2025 game, he’s announced himself as India’s clutch performer. As India gear up for Pakistan on February 23, this form could be the difference in a tournament where every run counts.
For the latest CT 2025 standings, visit ICC’s official site.
Gill vs Kohli at 25: The Debate Heats Up
It’s impossible to talk about Gill without the Kohli comparisons. At 25, Kohli was a rising star with five ODI tons and a knack for chases, but he hadn’t yet hit his peak. Gill, meanwhile, is already World No. 1 in ODIs, with a technique that’s pure silk—think Kohli’s cover drive meets Rahul Dravid’s elegance.
- Centuries: Gill (8) vs Kohli (5) at 25.
- Average: Gill (60+) vs Kohli (47 in 2013).
- Big-Match Impact: Kohli’s 183 vs Pakistan in 2012 Asia Cup edges Gill’s 101*—for now.
Fans on X are split. Some say Gill’s ahead of Kohli’s curve; others argue Kohli’s hunger gave him an edge Gill’s still developing. What’s clear is that Gill’s poised to inherit Kohli’s throne as India’s chase king—especially with Kohli, now 36, nearing the twilight of his career.
The Making of a Clutch Performer
What makes Gill so good in chases? It’s a mix of temperament, technique, and timing. Against Bangladesh, he soaked up pressure early, scoring 40 off 50 balls, then accelerated—61 off the next 48—without losing his cool. His ability to rotate strike (18 singles in his 101*) kept the scoreboard ticking, while his sixes off Rishad Hossain showed he can shift gears when needed.
Former coach Ravi Shastri called it on air: “This kid’s got ice in his veins.” Gill’s calm demeanor—think MS Dhoni with a better cover drive—sets him apart. He’s not fazed by big stages, a trait India will lean on as CT 2025 heats up.
What’s Next for Gill and India?
With Pakistan looming on February 23, Gill’s form is a massive boost. Pakistan’s pace attack—Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf—will test him, but if his 129* against them in the 2023 Asia Cup is any indicator, he’ll relish the challenge. A big score there could send this post—and Gill’s hype—into overdrive.
Beyond Pakistan, Gill’s role will be pivotal against New Zealand and in the knockouts. If India lift the trophy, don’t be surprised if he’s the tournament’s MVP. His 101* was just the start—expect more fireworks.
Why This Could Go Viral
- Timely Hype: Fresh off his February 20 century, Gill’s trending on X and Google.
- Fan Passion: The Gill-Kohli debate and India’s CT campaign ignite emotions.
- Bold Take: Calling him the “new king of chases” grabs attention.
- Visual Hook: Embed his match-winning boundary (check YouTube highlights) or a stat graphic comparing him to Kohli.
Conclusion: Gill’s Time Is Now
Shubman Gill’s 101* against Bangladesh wasn’t just a match-winner—it was a torch-passing moment. At 25, he’s no longer in Kohli’s shadow; he’s carving his own legacy. The “Shubman Gill century” in “India vs Bangladesh CT 2025” has set the stage for a blockbuster tournament, and if he keeps this up, India might just reclaim the Champions Trophy after 12 years.
So, what’s your take? Is Gill the new chase master India’s been waiting for? Drop your thoughts below—and share your favorite Gill moment! Let’s get this debate rolling: Gill vs Kohli at 25—Who’s Better?
