From Tennis Ball to Leather Ball: How Shubman Gill’s Mentorship Transformed a Young Cricketer’s Dream
NEW DELHI – For Kirandeep Singh, a young aspiring cricketer from the humble village of Cholta Kalan in Punjab’s Mohali district, a chance encounter during a net session has ignited a spark that promises to redefine his cricketing journey. The moment Indian cricketing sensation Shubman Gill recognized his talent, it transformed from a mere practice session into a pivotal turning point, offering a tangible path toward realizing his professional aspirations.
Kirandeep’s journey began with the familiar thwack of a tennis ball against a bat, a common starting point for many young cricketers in India. It was during one such practice session in Mohali in 2025 that fate intervened. He learned that Gill was present, and soon after, their paths serendipitously crossed at the Mullanpur International Cricket Stadium. This unexpected meeting provided Kirandeep with an invaluable opportunity: to bowl to the celebrated India star for the very first time.
It didn’t take long for Gill’s astute cricketing eye to spot something special in the youngster’s bowling. "He said, ‘You are bowling really well,’" Kirandeep recounted, recalling the pivotal moment. "I told him that I was playing tennis-ball cricket."
Gill’s subsequent response wasn’t just encouragement; it was a directive that irrevocably altered the trajectory of Kirandeep’s cricketing ambitions. "He then said, ‘You shouldn’t play tennis-ball cricket anymore. From now on, you have to play with a leather ball.’ He told me to stop playing tennis-ball cricket and said, ‘If you ever need anything, just let us know.’"
This powerful endorsement from one of the country’s leading cricketers resonated deeply with Kirandeep. It fueled his determination to transition from the informal world of tennis-ball cricket to the more structured and competitive realm of leather-ball cricket, a crucial step towards a professional career.
Now, at 20 years old, Kirandeep stands on the cusp of a major breakthrough, poised to capitalize on Gill’s invaluable advice. He was recently acquired by the Fazilka Falcons for Rs 20,000 in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 auction. This acquisition is significant not only for the financial opportunity it presents but also because it places Kirandeep on the same team as his mentor, Shubman Gill, who will captain the side.
For Kirandeep, the narrative of his cricketing life has already become a compelling story of opportunity. His journey from the dusty grounds of a government school in Cholta Kalan to the vibrant stage of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 is a testament to the power of belief and timely support. The upcoming tournament, set to commence on August 30, will be his chance to prove that Shubman Gill’s discerning eye for talent was, indeed, spot on. The cricketing world will be watching to see if this young talent, nurtured by a star, can truly shine on a larger platform.
