In the aftermath of India’s remarkable Test series win in England, one statement from former batting coach Sanjay Bangar has captured headlines: Shubman Gill is “as good as” Virat Kohli — at least in terms of the role he played during the high-pressure tour. With stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma absent, many had anticipated a struggle. Instead, a new generation rose to the occasion, with Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and others stepping into the spotlight.
A Historic Series for Indian Batters
India’s performance in England was both dominant and historic. The top-order trio of Shubman Gill (754 runs), KL Rahul (532 runs), and Ravindra Jadeja (516 runs) became just the sixth trio in Test history to each score over 500 runs in the same series, according to the ICC. Their consistency, temperament, and adaptability helped India secure an emphatic series win — all without two of their most celebrated batters.
Bangar’s Bold Verdict: Gill Matches Kohli
Sanjay Bangar didn’t hold back in his praise, stating that the transition from Virat Kohli to Shubman Gill at the crucial No. 4 position has been seamless.
“If you look at the No. 4 spot, Shubman Gill has done as good as a Virat Kohli could have done,” Bangar said on ESPNCricinfo.
“And who has taken Rohit Sharma’s place? It is Yashasvi Jaiswal, and he has also had an equally good series to show for.”
Bangar’s remarks highlight not just individual brilliance, but the depth and resilience of India’s next-gen lineup. Despite Kohli and Rohit’s absence, the team didn’t feel depleted — a testament to the grooming of young talent over the past few years.
KL Rahul: More Than Just Runs
Also receiving praise was KL Rahul, whose contributions went beyond just batting. Known for his versatility, Rahul showcased patience, consistency, and a newly evolved leadership presence on the field.
“He consumed a lot of balls and was consistent throughout,” Bangar said. “The kind of slip catching we could see from him, and how he became an able ally to Shubman Gill at times — you could also see a side of KL Rahul which wasn’t seen earlier.”
Rahul’s on-field chatter with opponents and umpires reflected a more expressive version of the otherwise reserved batter, signaling his evolution into a more rounded senior player.
The Missing Piece: A Fast-Bowling All-Rounder
While the batting clicked impressively, Bangar pointed out a gap that still haunts India’s Test setup — the absence of a dependable fast-bowling all-rounder. Trials with Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy during the England series didn’t yield the desired results.
“The Indian management has prioritised that over the last three to four seasons… but till India gets a proper fast-bowling all-rounder, you’ll always have these question marks,” he noted.
This piece remains crucial for team balance, especially in overseas conditions where depth in pace and lower-order runs can often decide the outcome of tight matches.
A Seamless Transition to the Future
India’s performance in England could well be a turning point, symbolizing a passing of the torch from the Kohli-Rohit era to a younger, equally dynamic core. With players like Shubman Gill and Jaiswal delivering under pressure, and KL Rahul showing newfound maturity, India seems to be in safe hands.
Whether or not comparisons to Kohli are premature, Gill’s rise is undeniable. If consistency is maintained, he could very well become the face of Indian cricket in the years to come — not just “as good” as Kohli, but perhaps setting new benchmarks of his own.
