Missing from India's T20 World Cup squad, Shubman Gill recently met football legend Rio Ferdinand as part of a Premier League event. Gill left an impression on Ferdinand, who also took to social media to hail the Gujarat Titans opener. In the post, the Manchester United legend praised Gill's 'curiosity'.
Shubman Gill meets Rio Ferdinand. (Instagram)
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"I meet a lot of sports stars on my travels, but not many have shown me their curious mind so quickly, like Shubman. After sitting down and ordering our soft drinks, I sensed curiosity through detailed questions about my football journey as a player, about leadership & relationships, all stemming from a huge desire (I felt) for Shubman to draw parallels where he could apply to his world of cricket. Now who knows what he takes from what I said or if anything I said resonates, but my point is for someone so young to quickly set about probing, questioning, exploring different things with the only aim being to better himself", he wrote.
He added, "It was a refreshing moment given what he has achieved already at such a young age in the cricket world, yet he exudes humility on a level that you would normally associate with a guy on the come up with not much achieved. I've been inspired to come to India again...this time I will be there in the not too distant future...India, watch this space!!!"
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He added, "It was a refreshing moment given what he has achieved already at such a young age in the cricket world, yet he exudes humility on a level that you would normally associate with a guy on the come up with not much achieved. I've been inspired to come to India again...this time I will be there in the not too distant future...India, watch this space!!!"
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Gill has struggled in T20 cricket lately, which saw him get snubbed from India's T20 World Cup squad. In his place, Ishan Kishan was roped in. Ferdinand won six Premier League titles with United, two League Cups and four Community Shield trophies. He also clinched the 2007-08 Champions League, as United beat Chelsea in the final.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Cricket/After T20 World Cup snub, Shubman Gill earns praise from Rio Ferdinand as Manchester United legend drops verdict
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