"Carrying it all forward into 2026."
India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill shared a memorable moment off the field after meeting Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
Gill exchanged jerseys with the Norwegian football star and was also gifted a signed boot during their meeting.
Images of the encounter quickly circulated online, drawing attention from cricket and football fans alike.
The meeting came as Gill reflected on a defining year in his career. The 26-year-old described 2025 as a period filled with lessons, gratitude and personal growth.
While sharing a reel, Gill wrote: “2025, you were truly special to me.
“So many lessons, experiences, and memories to be grateful for. Carrying it all forward into 2026.”
The year was one of sharp contrasts for India’s all-format leader. While he reached new heights in Tests and ODIs, his struggles in T20 internationals marked a significant setback.
Gill was dropped from India’s T20I set-up despite previously serving as vice-captain.
Following a string of low scores, he was also excluded from the T20 World Cup squad, a notable moment in his international career.
T20 cricket proved to be his only area of concern in 2025. Gill scored 291 runs in 15 innings without registering a single fifty, averaging just over 24.
His red-ball form, however, told a very different story. Gill enjoyed a phenomenal year in Tests, particularly during India’s tour of England.
Across five Tests in the series, he amassed 754 runs at an average of 75.40. He struck four centuries and recorded a career-best 269, producing one of the most dominant overseas batting performances by an Indian.
The run-heavy series saw Gill break several records, underlining his growing stature in world cricket. His overall Test numbers for the year were equally impressive.
In nine Tests, Gill scored 983 runs at an average of 70.21, including five centuries and a fifty. His consistency anchored India’s batting through challenging conditions.
Shubman Gill meets Erling Haaland. ?
– Haaland gifted his signed football Boots to Indian Captain. pic.twitter.com/yae3gYDxXh
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 2, 2026
Gill also delivered strongly in the ODI format. In 11 matches, he scored 490 runs at an average of 49.00, with two centuries and two fifties.
His leadership responsibilities further defined the year.
Gill was elevated to captaincy in Tests and ODIs, adding another layer to his development as a player.
Under his leadership, India secured a hard-fought 2-2 Test series draw in England. The contest was widely regarded as one of the finest Test series in recent years.
Shubman Gill began the year positively in ODIs as well. He contributed consistently in bilateral series and played a key role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph.
During the tournament, he scored 188 runs overall, including a century against Bangladesh. His performances provided stability at the top of the order.
Shubman Gill is next set to feature in India’s ODI series against New Zealand, as he looks to build momentum early in 2026.
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