Pride, frenzy grip Shubman Gill’s village near India-Pakistan border: ‘Parents now encouraging their kids to play cricket’

The Gills own more than 60 acres of land in the village, which was founded by the cricketer’s ancestors. But 18 years ago, they had to make a choice: either live the simple, uncomplicated life here or move to Mohali where a young Shubman could get unfettered access to cricket facilities. They chose the latter.

In an earlier interview, Shubman’s grandfather Didar Singh Gill had said: “During the three India-Pakistan wars, we did shift to Muktsar with all our belongings but then we came back again. Shubman’s father wanted to give him all the facilities and decided to shift. It also meant that I had to look after our 60-acre farmland.”

Shubman’s aunt — his father’s sister — Gurpreet Sandhu said the family wholeheartedly backed the decision. “Being a border village, the only way people have earned money here is agricultural land,” she said. “My father has always taken pride in being a farmer. So, when my brother decided to shift, it not only meant that my father’s son was leaving the village but his grandkids would too. People used to taunt them, saying who goes so far for cricket training. But then somebody had to make the sacrifice. And both, my father and brother, did that. To see Shubman lead the Indian team will be the proudest moment for my father and brother.”

Today, Shubman — the Gills, rather — is the toast of the village. “This place will now be known as India Test captain’s village,” Ranga Ram proudly says.

Wherever you see, Shubman has left an indelible impact here. In the neighbouring village of Bahmani Wala, the Fazilka District Cricket Association is building a new stadium in Shubman’s honour.

“People here would earlier hesitate to send their kids for cricket training since there was no facility. But since Shubman made headlines, we too have been seeing an increase in parents encouraging their kids to play. While there are fewer academies, we hope things change with the new stadium near Shubman’s village,” said Surinder Chhindi, secretary of Fazilka Cricket Association.

The land where the stadium is being built was given by the village panchayat, who have approved another acre to the existing area. At Shubman’s village, Ranga Ram has also decided to give an additional acre to the existing two-acre academy opposite the grain market.

His frequency might have reduced but when Shubman visits the village, it’s like he never left. This time, there is a frenzied anticipation to welcome the national team captain. “Shubman loves to spend time at the village and it will be the same when he comes back to the village,” Gurpreet said. “This time, he will show our parents his captain’s blazer too.”