The Quest for Number 7
The origin of Shubman Gill's number 77 goes back to his time as a rising star in the 2018 U-19 World Cup. His first preference was the coveted number 7. In a video interview with Star Sports, Gill himself explained the straightforward reason: he wanted
number 7, but it was simply not available for him to choose at the time. Another player in the squad, Shiva Singh, had already claimed it. Faced with this setback, Gill had to think of an alternative.
A Simple Solution: Double It Up
Instead of picking an entirely new number, Gill came up with a creative solution that kept his original preference in mind. "I wanted to take the number 7 but it was not available, so I took two sevens," he stated. This decision to simply double the digit gave birth to the number 77, which has stuck with him ever since, from his Indian Premier League (IPL) journey to his appearances for the senior national team in all formats. It was a pragmatic choice that has now become a core part of his cricketing identity.
The Long Shadow of Number 7
While Gill's choice was practical, the significance of the number 7 in Indian cricket adds another layer to the story. The number is iconically linked with former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who wore it throughout his celebrated career. Dhoni chose the number because his birthday is on the 7th of July. The association is so strong that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially retired the number 7 jersey in 2023 as a tribute to Dhoni's immense contribution, meaning no other Indian player can wear it. This makes Gill's choice of 77 both a nod to his original desire and a respectful distance from a number owned by a legend.
A Father's Guiding Hand
While the story of the number itself is straightforward, Gill's journey in cricket has been deeply shaped by his father, Lakhwinder Singh Gill. An aspiring cricketer himself who couldn't pursue his dream, Lakhwinder became his son's first coach, even building a pitch on their farm in Punjab to train him from a young age. He would bowl hundreds of balls to Shubman daily and even offered cash prizes to anyone who could get his son out to sharpen his skills. Shubman frequently credits his father's passion and dedication as the primary reason for his success. "I believe my father always dreamt of seeing me play cricket... because of the love and passion he has for cricket; I can sit here today," Gill has said.
More Than Just Numbers
For modern cricketers, a jersey number is a vital piece of their personal brand. Much like Sachin Tendulkar's number 10 and Virat Kohli's 18, Gill's 77 has become uniquely his. It tells a story of a young player who, unable to get his first choice, forged his own path. Now, as a key player across all formats for India and a leader in his own right, the number 77 is no longer just a substitute. It stands for the elegant, determined, and resourceful player who wears it, a cricketer who has created his own legacy while respecting the ones who came before him.
