My father always dreamed of me playing cricket, says Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill arrived at PCA Stadium, Mohali on August 2, 2026 as chief guest for the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League opening ceremony. The India captain spoke about the formative influence of his father on his cricket career and the work they do together in their village.

Gill's father, Lakhwinder Singh Gill, is a farmer who had aspired to be a cricketer himself and became Shubman's first coach from a young age. Lakhwinder constructed a turf field on their farm for Shubman to hone his skills and enjoy the game.

"My father always dreamed of me playing cricket. We also run an academy in our village, where children from the surrounding areas learn for free. Whenever my father gets time, he goes to the academy and watches the children play. Sometimes he shows me videos, sometimes of someone batting, sometimes of someone fielding, even if the child is only 6-7 years old. It is his love and passion for cricket that I am sitting here." Gill said on Sher-e-Punjab T20 League opening event.

Shubman Gill gave full credit to his father saying that whoever he is today is because of him.He also shared that his father runs a free cricket academy in their hometown where they teach children.

The academy in their village provides free cricket training to children from surrounding areas. Gill's father regularly visits the academy to watch the young players and shares videos of their performances with his son, including footage of other young cricketers. This commitment to grassroots cricket development reflects the values that shaped Gill's own early years.

Before the family moved to Mohali in 2007, Lakhwinder trained Shubman extensively on their farm. He bowled 500 to 700 balls to him daily to develop his batting skills, laying the foundation for what would become a distinguished cricket career. The move to Mohali allowed Gill access to better cricket facilities and coaches, enabling him to progress further.

In 2025, Gill was appointed captain of the India Test and ODI squads, a position that reflects his development as a player under his father's early guidance and continued support. The journey from the farm in Punjab to leading the national team underscores the impact of Lakhwinder's dedication and vision for his son's future in cricket.