Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The glowing tribute at a charity event in London, former England captain Kevin Pietersen praised India's Test captain Shubman Gill, drawing parallels between Gill’s recent transformation and the late bloom of South African legend Jacques Kallis .

Pietersen candidly admitted he had “never seen him bat” in person, yet he wasn’t surprised by Gill’s extraordinary form during the Edgbaston Test, where the Indian skipper amassed scores of 269 and 161, leading India to a historic 336-run victory—their largest-ever win by runs in England. Reflecting on Gill's journey, Pietersen explained, “Jacques Kallis started very slowly and turned out to be an absolute superstar…I put my head on a block a few years ago, saying please back Shubman Gill,” likening their trajectories .

Pietersen had previously tweeted during India's home series against England in 2024 that selectors should “give @ShubmanGill time…he is a serious player.” Gill responded with back-to-back centuries in Vizag and Rajkot, affirming Pietersen’s faith before carving his place during the current tour .

Kallis, who had modest beginnings with an average of 25 across his first 16 Tests before skyrocketing to a career average of 55 with 45 centuries, embodies the slow-and-steady success story Pietersen invoked.  Gill’s Test career prior to assuming captaincy was also steady—averaging around 35—but critics often questioned his consistency, especially away from home .

Since taking the mantle, Gill has blossomed under pressure. He struck a commanding 147 in the first Test at Headingley, underpinning India’s resilience. Though England prevailed in that match, Gill’s dominance was undeniable . The Edgbaston show then cemented his status as both leader and elite batsman, scoring nearly 600 runs across the first two Tests, inching past records set by greats like Sunil Gavaskar .

Pietersen’s endorsement underscores what many analysts have flagged: Gill’s remarkable run is not mere statistical hype, but the result of steadfast backing from selectors and coaches. His calm adaptability and unflappable temperament have positioned him as a rare captain who leads both by example and by delivery .

With the third Test looming at Lord’s, Gill faces the tough challenge of replicating these feats on a slope and pitch that rarely yield so generously. England, preparing a quicker wicket and reinstating bowlers like Jofra Archer, hope to test Gill’s burgeoning prowess yet again .

Kevin Pietersen’s public comparison of Shubman Gill to Jacques Kallis is more than poetic—it's a ringing endorsement of Gill’s methodical rise from promising talent to captaincy excellence. Pietersen’s call to trust Gill has proven prophetic, as the Indian skipper’s numbers—two centuries and near 600 runs—speak volumes. As India heads to Lord’s, the cricketing world watches to see if Gill can sustain his extraordinary run, further justifying the faith that once fueled his journey.