Gill said that being recognised alongside some of the legends and idols who have previously won the award made the achievement even more special.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cObviously, it feels quite amazing to be recognised among cricketers, among the legends and idols that have won this award before me. It\u2019s truly a great honour every time you step on the field to represent your country in a sport that I\u2019ve spent my entire life playing, and to do well in that sport and be recognised by the BCCI is an immense honour,\u201d Gill said in a video released by the BCCI on X.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on India\u2019s performances over the past year, Gill said that it was an amazing journey, highlighting the team\u2019s resilience during the England series, where they fought back to draw after a difficult start.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s been an amazing journey so far. Going into the England series and coming back to draw the series from where we were after the first Test match, and even after that, playing in the West Indies and the Asia Cup it\u2019s been a truly great year,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead, Gill emphasised the importance of the upcoming Test calendar, with India set to face Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia in crucial series that could determine their chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The team are currently placed at the sixth position with only four wins and a draw in nine matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got some really crucial Test series coming up. Hopefully we are able to win most of our matches and qualify for the finals,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gill credited the collective effort of the team\u2019s support staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir along with the broader coaching unit and staff at the Centre of Excellence (CoE), for shaping India into one of the most fearless teams in world cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s efforts by everyone \u2014 whether it\u2019s Gauti bhai, the batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach; they all work tirelessly to make this group what it is today. That\u2019s why we are recognised as one of the most fearless teams in the world, and wherever we go, we are looked upon as favourites. That tag doesn\u2019t come easy,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 26-year-old also acknowledged the support from the BCCI's current leadership and former secretary Jay Shah for providing world-class facilities and infrastructure that have contributed to players\u2019 growth and performance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe support that we have got from the BCCI, especially Jay bhai and all the office bearers, has been great. The initiatives they\u2019ve taken to take our cricket forward have really helped us immensely. Even when I got injured, the training, practice and facilities played a huge role in performance,\u201d Gill said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gill further downplayed discussions around legacy, instead stressing the importance of building a team identity in Test cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe support that we have got from the BCCI, especially Jay bhai and all the office bearers, has been great. The initiatives they\u2019ve taken to take our cricket forward have really helped us immensely. Even when I got injured, the training, practice and facilities played a huge role in performance,\u201d Gill said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gill's performance in India's five-Test series in England was the central reason for the award. He scored 754 runs in ten innings at an average of 75.40 with four centuries and a highest score of 269. Gill finished as the highest run-getter in the test for 2025 with 983 runs in nine matches at an average of 70.21.<\/p>\r\n\r\n