India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill delivered a heartwarming moment during India’s Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash against the UAE, reuniting with old acquaintance Simranjeet Singh after more than a decade — and sealing India’s win in style.
Gill struck a back-foot boundary off Simranjeet’s third delivery in the 5th over to complete India’s 58-run chase, then immediately walked up to the 35-year-old bowler, shook hands, and shared a warm hug.
A Bond Forged in Mohali Nets
Simranjeet, now representing UAE, first met Gill when the India star was a 12-year-old taking early steps in professional cricket. Back then, Simranjeet — an aspiring Punjab cricketer — often bowled to Gill in the Mohali nets.
“Gill was so young when we trained together, I wasn’t sure he would even remember me,” Simranjeet told PTI. “But seeing him walk up after hitting that four meant a lot.”
Different Journeys, Same Field
Gill went on to win the 2018 U-19 World Cup, debut for India across formats, and rise to Test captaincy. Simranjeet, however, never broke into Punjab’s first-class circuit.
When the COVID-19 second wave hit in 2021, he stayed back in Dubai, began coaching juniors, and later fulfilled the residency criteria to play for UAE. His perseverance paid off with a central contract from the Emirates Cricket Board.
India’s Dominant Win
India’s bowlers made light work of the UAE batting line-up. Kuldeep Yadav claimed three wickets in a single over, reducing UAE to just 57 runs in 13.1 overs.
In reply, India chased the target in just 4.3 overs, with opener Abhishek Sharma smashing 30 off 16 balls and Gill finishing unbeaten on 20.
