Indian and Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Ramandeep Singh has opened up on his experience of playing alongside Shubman Gill ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. Ramandeep has revealed that Gill’s adaptability according to the situation and conditions has been the biggest learning curve for him thus far.
Although Gill had etched himself as a prolific run-getter, 2025 has also seen him rise as a leader. After leading the Gujarat Titans into the IPL playoffs, the 25-year-old took on the mantle and the arduous task of leading India in the Test format. He came out with flying colours as India drew the away Test series against England 2-2 which was his first assignment as India’s Test skipper. Now, he has been appointed vice-captain of the T20I side ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
Ramandeep Singh gives his views on Shubman Gill.Â
Speaking on the side lines of the 2025 Buchi Babu tournament, the 28-year-old Ramandeep Singh stated that Shubman Gill has learned to mould his gameplay according to the situation. Speaking to New Indian Express, Ramandeep said: “He moulds himself according to the situation which is not easy. He is very tactical I would say. He plays according to wickets. He is not rigid. That’s what I have learnt from him- to be flexible. On green wickets, you have to leave the balls as well. Leaving balls and not giving your wicket is also dominance. That’s what I am learning from Gill.”
The Punjab-born cricketer hasn’t played a T20I since July 2024 but he averages a decent 30.42 in 21 matches which includes a hundred that he scored at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad against New Zealand. Shubman Gill was also the fourth highest run getter in IPL 2025, aggregating 650 runs in 15 matches at an average of 50 and a healthy strike rate of 155.87.
Ramandeep Singh opines on how KKR gave him the limelight and fame to shine on the big stage.Â
Ramandeep Singh has played two T20Is for India. He, however, revealed that given a choice he will always choose to play for KKR. Ramandeep believes KKR gave him fame and shall always remain close to his heart.
Ramandeep Singh added: “I have never played cricket for money. I always wanted to remain loyal to the franchise that has given me an opportunity at the highest level. Phone calls will keep coming. Every team needs good players and luckily I am in that group. But it was KKR that gave me that opportunity and fame so it will always remain close to my heart. So, when Venky Mysore sir KKR managing director asked me about their retention plan about me and told me I am free to go to the auction pool to fetch a bigger price, I told him sir ‘I want to play for KKR.’ Anyway I was playing for 20 lakh in the previous season and getting 4 crore was a big thing for me.”
Kolkata Knight Riders were the defending champions ahead of the IPL 2025 edition, but finished 8th in this season as it was a disappointing season for the Men in Purple.
It remains to be seen how Shubman Gill performs and how he adapts to the aggressive style of playing by the Indian batters. That will be a fascinating watch for all of us. He played aggressively in the IPL but he is known more as a solid stable player and not a big hitter as such. But maybe India needs a stable player whom other players can bat around him. Ramandeep was effusive in his praise for Gill and those are justified to an extent. But Gill has to step up his game in the Asia Cup.
Let’s wait and see how things unfold as the Asia Cup is just around the corner and India will be hoping to do well in this sub-continental event.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Madan Lal Expresses Surprise On Hardik Pandya’s Non-Appointment As Vice-Captain.