Indian cricket star Shubman Gill recently experienced an unexpected and viral moment in Adelaide. While casually walking through the city streets, ahead of India’s crucial second One-Day International against Australia, Gill was approached by a fan for a handshake. To the cricketer’s visible surprise, immediately after the handshake, the fan enthusiastically shouted the slogan ‘Pakistan Zindabad!’
A video capturing this unique interaction quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing widespread attention. Gill’s reaction, though subtle, showed him clearly taken aback by the sudden political chant. Further examination of the footage, from another angle, revealed that the encounter was not a spontaneous act but rather a pre-meditated one; the fan was seen prompting an accomplice to record the entire exchange.
This incident unfolds during an important period of India’s tour of Australia, where Gill is leading the team. India is currently trailing 0-1 in the three-match ODI series, having lost the opening match in Perth by seven wickets on October 19th.
Reflecting on his recent performances, Gill scored modest totals of 10, 47, and 12 runs in three Asia Cup matches against Pakistan last month. Despite his individual scores, India secured victories in all three of those high-stakes contests against the Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistani side.
The upcoming second ODI at Adelaide Oval carries significant weight for Team India, as they desperately aim to level the series. Gill’s personal batting performance in the first ODI was limited to 10 runs off 18 balls, and he only managed 9 runs in the second before being dismissed by Xavier Bartlett, adding to the pressure for a stronger showing in the upcoming matches.