Shubman Gill gets autographed boots from star Manchester City striker Erling Haaland

Published - 02 Jan 2026, 17:23 IST | Updated - 02 Jan 2026, 18:24 IST

In a unique crossover, India's Test and ODI captain, Shubman Gill, was gifted an autographed pair of football boots from star Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

A six-second video of the special interaction between the two talented sportspersons has taken social media by storm. In the video, Haaland can be seen signing a pair of boots and handing them to the right-handed Indian batter. The two stalwarts of different sports were seen wearing the white Nike jersey, leaving the fans in awe.

Shubman had an eventful 2025. After winning the Champions Trophy in March, he led the Gujarat Titans to the playoffs in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ahead of the five-match Test series in England, Shubman replaced Rohit as India's Test captain. He was subsequently appointed captain of the ODI team.

Shubman also made a comeback to India's T20I setup ahead of the Asia Cup. The Men in Blue won the competition, but the Punjab batter failed to impress with the bat. He also failed to make a mark in the T20Is against Australia and South Africa. Last month, he was dropped from India's squad for the T20 World Cup in February-March.

Shubman is reportedly in line to play Punjab's next two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches against Sikkim on January 3 and Goa on January 6.

After he participates in India's premier 50-over competition, Shubman will lead the Men in Blue during the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The first ODI will be played at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on January 11. The action will shift to the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot for the second ODI on January 14. India and New Zealand will then meet at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore for the series finale on January 18.