Virat Kohli pays emotional tribute to former U-19 teammate after his demise

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The cricket fraternity received sad news on May 6, 2026, with the passing of former Punjab cricketer and India U-19 player Amanpreet Singh Gill at the age of 36 in Chandigarh.

Amanpreet was part of India’s promising U-19 setup during his playing days and shared the dressing room with several future international cricketers. His untimely demise has left the cricket community in shock and mourning. The news deeply affected many who knew him, including his former teammate, Virat Kohli.

Amanpreet was a right-arm medium pacer who represented India in the U-19 circuit alongside Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Manish Pandey, and others. He was part of the team during the 2007 Under-19 Tri-Series in Sri Lanka and showed promise as a lively fast bowler.

Although he didn’t make it to the senior India team like some of his teammates, Gill played domestic cricket for Punjab, featured in the inaugural IPL season with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), and later served on the Punjab senior selection committee.

Kohli took to social media to share a heartfelt message, stating that he was “shocked and saddened” by the untimely loss. He extended his condolences to Amanpreet’s family and loved ones, remembering the time they spent together in the Under-19 setup.

Shocked and saddened to hear about Amanpreet Gill’s passing. Sending prayers and strength to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace. Om Shanti 🙏

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 7, 2026

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Those who played with him described Amanpreet as a quiet, hardworking, and passionate individual who loved the game. His sudden demise has left the cricket community in mourning, with several former players and associations paying tribute.

Kohli’s tribute highlights the strong bonds formed during the early days of a cricketer’s career. Even as Kohli has gone on to achieve legendary status in international cricket, he continues to remember and honour teammates from his junior days.

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