In the glittering world of Indian cricket, few modern players have captured the public imagination quite like Shubman Gill.
From his early exploits in the IPL, where his graceful strokeplay and calm temperament made headlines, to his seamless transition into the Indian national team, Gill has often been viewed as a prodigy destined for greatness.
His ability to play long, elegant innings and dominate quality bowling attacks with classical technique earned him admiration not only from fans but also from cricketing legends.
Many began referring to him as the “Prince of Indian Cricket” — a title once attributed to West Indian legend Brian Lara.
Now, as Gill embarks on a new chapter as the captain of India’s Test team, he finds himself at the center of both celebration and controversy, not for his performances with the bat, but rather, what’s written on his bat.
The Bat That Sparked a Storm
Shubman Gill’s journey with cricket brand endorsements began early. He had a long-standing association with CEAT, which supported him during his formative years, even as early as his Under-19 days when he was part of India’s World Cup-winning squad.
However, earlier in 2025, Gill inked a major new bat sponsorship deal with the iconic MRF brand — a name synonymous with some of India’s biggest cricketing icons.
MRF’s legacy in cricket advertising is enormous. It has adorned the bats of players like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Brian Lara, Steve Waugh, and AB de Villiers.
The bright red MRF sticker is more than just branding; it’s a mark of elite association. So when Gill stepped onto the field with an MRF Genius bat during the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final between India and Australia, it wasn’t surprising.
What did raise eyebrows, however, was a new addition to the bat’s sticker — the word “Prince” was visibly inscribed just beneath the MRF branding.
Public Reactions: A Divisive Debate on Ego and Earned Titles
As photos of Gill from an Indian team kit launch surfaced on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), sharp-eyed fans quickly noticed the “Prince” inscription.
What followed was a torrent of divided opinions. While some celebrated the boldness and branding savvy of the young captain, others saw it as a step too far — an act of premature self-glorification.
Critics were quick to draw comparisons to cricketing greats. “Sachin Tendulkar never played with a bat that had ‘God’ written on it. Virat Kohli never used ‘King’ as a bat inscription,” one user remarked.
The sentiment was echoed widely, suggesting that such titles should be earned through unmatched performance and consistency over time, not worn like a badge of honor from the outset.
One particularly scathing post read:
“The overhyped ‘Prince’ of Indian Cricket. Shubman Gill is so self-obsessed. Who even called you the Prince? A so-called ‘Prince of ICT’ with a poor SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) record, a Test average below 35, and still zero overseas centuries across formats after five years in international cricket.”
These criticisms strike at a deeper cultural understanding within Indian cricket — that humility is often seen as the hallmark of greatness. Titles, nicknames, and accolades are considered sacred and should be bestowed by fans, peers, and historians,ot self-declared.
The Economics Behind the Bat
From a business standpoint, Gill’s partnership with MRF is a significant leap. According to industry insiders, the Punjab-born batter’s annual bat sponsorship deal is estimated to be worth ₹8–10 crore, bringing him closer to the compensation enjoyed by the great Sachin Tendulkar in his prime.
For comparison, Virat Kohli’s bat contract with MRF is reportedly valued around ₹100 crore over eight years, translating to an annual income of ₹12.5 crore.
MRF’s interest in Gill is understandable. The company has long aligned itself with elite batting talent, choosing players who represent skill, flair, and commercial appeal. In addition to Kohli and Tendulkar, MRF has sponsored the likes of Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, Shikhar Dhawan, Brian Lara, and AB de Villiers.
The Prince’s Trial in England
Controversy or not, Gill will soon face the ultimate test of leadership and performance. India’s highly anticipated tour of England begins in June 2025 and runs through August.
The five-match Test series will be played at some of the most iconic grounds in world cricket: Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord’s, The Oval (both in London), and Old Trafford (Manchester).
This tour will not only test Gill’s tactical nous as India’s youngest-ever Test captain but will also challenge his batting credentials on historically tough pitches.
The series is crucial — both for India’s hopes in the World Test Championship and for Gill’s journey from promising talent to proven great.
Whether the “Prince” label sticks or fades will depend not on stickers or branding, but on how he performs when it matters most — in foreign conditions, under pressure, and with a nation’s hopes on his shoulders.
