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Shubman Gill The Calm, Abhishek The Mischief-Maker - Inside Cricket’s Coolest Friendship

Akshita Patel

Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma's untold friendship story [Source: @_77Foreverr_, @pr110009/X.com]Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma's untold friendship story [Source: @_77Foreverr_, @pr110009/X.com]

The Asia Cup 2025 has given fans another chance to see one of Indian cricket’s most exciting opening pairs in action, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. But beyond their batting skills, there's an interesting tale of friendship, tricks, and aspirations that dates back to their childhood.

Both grew up playing together for Punjab from the U-14 level. Their friendship extended off the field as well, despite Gill’s personality being poles apart from Abhishek’s.

When Coach Spilled Gill, Abhishek’s Childhood Secrets

Former Punjab cricketer Arun Bedi, who coached Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma during their childhood days, recalls how their personalities were different. Talking to TOI, Bedi said that while Gill is composed, Sharma is mischievous and likes to pull his friend’s legs.

“Ek shaant hai aur dusra shaitaan (One is calm, the other mischievous). In the league match against Himachal Pradesh, it was a two-day game. HP took a 10-run lead with five-or-six wickets in hand, and it was around Tea on Day 2. Maine in dono ko kaha ab toh haar jayenge. After Tea, they came to me and said, sir kaise haar jayenge," Bedi said.

Their journey began when Abhishek was captain and Gill his deputy in the U-14 Dhruv Pandove Trophy. In one match against Himachal Pradesh, Punjab looked certain to lose.

But the young pair lifted the team's morale, picked up quick wickets, and completed the chase in seven overs. Even at that age, they showed the fighting spirit that would later define their careers.

“First over after Tea, Abhishek took a wicket. The duo riled up the Punjab boys and they bowled and fielded with aggression. We ended up taking the rest of the wickets, and the target we got was around 90. We needed to chase it down in 10 overs and these two got us home inside seven overs. Mai hairaan tha. itni choti umar mey ye aisa soch rahe," he added.

The two shared more than just the pitch. They were roommates and had quirky rituals, like eating pizza before every game.

Their bond also had its share of funny fights. Abhishek was obsessed with Gill’s bat and often borrowed it for matches. In fact, Abhishek even scored his maiden T20I century in 2024 with Gill’s bat. Shubman once laughed while recalling how they argued over the bat during U-16 days.

“He was batting on 80-90 with my match bat, and I didn’t want it to break. We had a small fight, but I always gave it to him whenever he asked.”

On social media too, their banter shines through. In one viral Instagram Live session, Abhishek Sharma teased Gill about his girlfriend, only for Gill to cleverly dodge the question. These little moments have made fans adore their bond even more.

From roommates in U-14 to India's opening pair in a big tournament, their story is nothing less than motivational. Childhood coaches predicted they would one day play for India, and now they not only play in the national jersey but also act as the perfect foil to one another, one ice-calm, the other hot-headed as flame.