Shubman Gill celebrates after scoring a century against England at Edgbaston during the 2025 Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, 2 July 2025- Shubman Gill was appointed India’s Test captain in May 2025.
- Scored a total of 754 runs in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, including 269 in a single match at Edgbaston.
- Endorsement fees soared from ₹1 crore to ₹7 crore per deal.
- Net worth jumps over ₹60 crore, backed by global and Indian brand deals.
- Gill is now being perceived as the natural successor to Kohli and Rohit in Cricket, and as a poster boy for brands.
In 2025, Shubman Gill isn’t just making runs, he’s making history. From being a promising U-19 World Cup hero in 2018 to becoming India’s 37th Test captain in May 2025, Gill has completed a journey that most cricketers only dream of. His elevation came at a time of transition for Indian cricket, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from the longest format, leaving a leadership vacuum and brand gap waiting to be filled.
Gill’s appointment was more than a cricketing decision; it was a signal of the future. Young, composed, stylish, and marketable, he had all the ingredients to be India’s next cricketing icon, both on and off the field.
The Captain’s Arrival: A New Era Begins
When Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket in May 2025, followed by Virat Kohli’s exit from the format, Indian cricket entered a phase of reinvention. Into this vacuum stepped Shubman Gill, appointed in May 2025 as India’s 37th Test captain, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant by his side as vice-captain.
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Gill takes on more than just the armband: he is inheriting the expectations of two of India’s most iconic captains (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli), both in terms of performance and brand stature. Industry watchers see this moment as the pivot point for Gill’s off-field value rising to match his on-field potential.
The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy: Where Gill Cemented His Legacy
The real inflection point came during the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India’s 2025 five-match Test series in England. Gill did not merely captain; he dominated. He finished as the highest run-scorer with 754 runs in ten innings, including four centuries and a double century (269 at Edgbaston, July 2025), and averaged over 75. And a few standout moments of Shubman Gill include:
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- The Edgbaston Test, where Gill scored 269 & 161 in the two innings, giving India a match total of 430 runs, one of the highest aggregates by a batter in a single Test match.
- Maintaining excellent form even under pressure, with centuries at Old Trafford and crucial leadership when India were challenged.
These performances won him the Player of the Series and multiple accolades, including ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July 2025.
Importantly, Gill crossed the 6,000 international runs mark during the series across formats.
Off the Field: Image, Stability, and Brand-Friendly Persona
Performance is crucial, but brand value goes beyond the scoreboard. Gill has built a reputation as one of the most brand-friendly cricketers in India today.
- Temperament: In a sport where controversy often sells, Gill has been notably composed. He blends the competitive fire of Virat with the calm confidence of Rohit, according to peers and critics.
- Youth and relatability: At 25, he fits the youthful demographics that brands crave. He is seen as a bridge between the generational icons of Indian cricket (Tendulkar, Kohli, Sharma) and what the future holds.
- Clean image: There’s little negative baggage. Minimal off-field controversies, disciplined fitness, steady consistency. This gives reassurance to brands.
Brands love athletes who are aspirational yet relatable. Gill fits that bill perfectly.
Endorsements and Deals: From ₹1 Crore to ₹7 Crore a Campaign
Gill’s overall net worth is estimated to be in the region of ₹60–65 crore (roughly US$7-7.5 million) as of 2025. Out of which, around ₹32 crore comes from his Cricket contracts: ₹16.5 crore from IPL, and ₹7 crore from BCCI annually.
Just two years ago, Gill’s endorsement fees were reportedly in the ₹1 to 2 crore range. Fast forward to mid-2025, and industry sources peg his current fee at ₹7 crore per advertisement deal. This sevenfold jump mirrors his rise in cricket.
Some of the top brands that Shubman Gill is currently associated with include:
- Nike – global sportswear powerhouse
- Coca-Cola – youth-centric FMCG giant
- Tata Capital – financial services brand
- Bajaj Allianz – insurance leader
- Oakley – premium eyewear brand
- Engage – personal care brand
- MRF – iconic cricket sponsor
- BharatPe – leading fintech and payments platform
- Gillette – global grooming and personal care brand
- CEAT – one of India’s biggest tyre manufacturers, with long cricketing associations
- Beats by Dr. Dre – premium audio brand popular with youth
Reports also suggest that Gill’s annual endorsement earnings have crossed ₹40 crore, and his brand value has grown 30–40% in 2025 alone. This surge is significant because it puts him on the path once dominated by Virat Kohli, who for years ruled India’s sports marketing landscape.
Social Media Power: Gill’s Digital Influence
In today’s marketing world, athletes aren’t just judged by runs and wickets; their Instagram and Twitter metrics matter just as much.
- Instagram: Gill has over 15 million followers, with engagement rates often surpassing senior cricketers.
- X (Twitter): Known for his clean, witty presence, Gill’s follower base is growing rapidly, making him a strong digital voice.
- Fan Engagement: During the England series, hashtags like #GillTheGreat and #CaptainGill trended almost every match day.
For brands, this digital pull means campaigns featuring Gill can organically reach millions without additional ad spend. His social media value adds a multiplier effect to every endorsement deal.
Can Shubman Gill Match Kohli and Tendulkar’s Brand Value?
As we know, Sachin Tendulkar built trust and humility into his brand over two decades. Virat Kohli transformed endorsements with aggression, fitness, and digital dominance. Gill blends aspects of both Sachin’s calmness and Kohli’s athletic intensity, while adding his own Gen Z relatability.
Brand experts believe that while it will take time to match Kohli’s ₹200+ crore annual brand earnings, Gill is already the frontrunner among active Indian cricketers to inherit that mantle. His clean slate, youth, and leadership position give him a longer runway than anyone else currently playing.
What Brands Gain from Investing in Gill
For companies, Shubman Gill offers multiple advantages:
- Youth Connect: Perfect ambassador for products aimed at 18–35 audiences.
- Reliability: No controversies, consistent cricketing form.
- Versatility: Works equally well for luxury brands (Oakley), mass FMCG (Coca-Cola), and finance/insurance (Tata Capital, Bajaj Allianz).
- ROI on digital campaigns: His social media engagement adds free amplification to ad campaigns.
In marketing boardrooms, Gill is increasingly pitched as the safest high-impact bet in Indian sports endorsements today.
Challenges Ahead for Gill the Brand
Even as Gill’s brand value soars, the road ahead isn’t without risks.
- Consistency across formats: He must deliver in ODIs and T20s, not just Tests, to maximize global brand appeal.
- Handling captaincy pressure: The dual burden of leadership and batting could affect performance.
- Competition from peers: Stars like Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and young IPL talents are also growing as endorsement magnets.
- Global recognition: To reach Tendulkar or Kohli levels, Gill must shine in ICC World Cups and overseas marquee tournaments.
Conclusion: India’s Next Global Sports Icon
Shubman Gill’s 2025 season has changed the conversation in Indian cricket. From his captaincy debut to record-breaking batting feats in England, he has shown maturity beyond his years. Off the field, his rise as a brand icon has been equally remarkable, with endorsement deals climbing, social media influence expanding, and his marketability skyrocketing.
For fans, he’s the beacon of a new era. For brands, he’s the marketing favourite they’ve been waiting for. And for Indian cricket, Gill is not just carrying forward the legacy of Tendulkar and Kohli, he’s writing a new chapter where performance and persona meet profitability.
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