Courtesy: Google
Team India Test captain Shubman Gill has pulled off some sensational perforamcnes in his seven-year international career. This year has been stupendous for Gill as he emerged as the most successful batter in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, notching up 754 runs in 10 innings of five matches. Currently, he is a part of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad and his responsibility will be to deliver fine starts to the side as an opener with Abhishek Sharma. In the T20 tournament getting played in Dubai, Gill has been accompanied by a man named Avinash Kumar, who has played a vital part in strengthening the 26-year-old’s batting skills.
Avinash has been associated with Gill’s father Lakhwinder Singh since the early 2010s. At Mohali’s IS Bindra Stadium, Gill used to practice with his father Lakhwinder. Avinash was a son of Ram Vilas Singh, a juice seller, who used to serve his customers near Gate Number 1. of the stadium. Lakhwinder and Shubman were regular customers of Ram Vilas and his son Avinash used to practice at the stadium. In an interview with TOI, Avinash revealed that when Lakhwinder spotted him at the juice cart, he asked him, "Why are you doing this?" In reply, Avinash said, "I left cricket. I work in a photo studio now and I am doing this because my father is unwell." Hearing Avinash’s response, Lakhwinder got angry and said you can change your family’s life. A week later, Lakhwinder showed Avinash a video of a side-arm thrower and the latter started practicing.
Avinash Kumar and Shubman Gill became friends during practice sessions
Avinash and Shubman Gill became pals while practicing with each other. In an old interview, Avinash also revealed that he used to earn INR 150-200 per day but currently, he is Shubman’s personal side-arm thrower. Avinash is also indebted to Gill and his father as they help his family during tough times as well.
Avinash revealed that he advised Gill to practice with a red ball during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 to gear up for the Test series in England. Shubman listened to his advice and started practicing. Avinash’s advice helped Gill as the 25-year-old succeeded in doing well for India in the crucial assignment in England.
