India captain Shubman Gill may be making waves on the cricket field, but the 26-year-old revealed that if he got a chance to trade his bat for a tennis racket, there is only one player he would want in his team, two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Gill was among the star guests of Wimbledon on Friday During the men’s singles semi-finals, as the tournament reached its conclusion, he shared the championship with legendary cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. The Indian batsman said that Alcaraz’s infectious energy and carefree attitude on the court make him his ideal doubles partner.

Speaking to GeoStar, Gill supported maintaining his hold on the tennis court.

Gil said, “Carlos Alcaraz is someone I want to play doubles with. He seems like someone who really enjoys being on the court. It would be fun to play with him. I don’t know the details, but I think I can hold my own in tennis, so it would be a fun match.”

Federer remains Gil’s sporting icon

While Alcaraz is Gill’s choice for a dream doubles partnership, the Indian skipper said his biggest tennis inspiration is Roger Federer. Gill drew parallels between the Swiss legend’s brilliant style and the perception that he too makes batting look effortless.

Gill said, “Roger Federer is my favourite. Growing up, many people said he made everything look effortless. But when you play a game yourself, you realize how much hard work goes into making it look like that. People have called me effortless in cricket too, but I know the effort behind it. The beauty and grace with which Federer played was special and that’s why I admire him.”

Gil also enjoyed a memorable moment during his trip to Wimbledon after meeting Federer. Indian captain Sachin became the fourth Indian male cricket captain after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to receive an invitation to the prestigious Royal Box at Center Court.

Wimbledon has long been a meeting place for sporting icons from all disciplines, and this year’s championships were no different, with Gill, Tendulkar and Lara joining a host of global stars and former champions at the All England Club.

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