India’s T20I series against England is heading into its final phase, but attention is already shifting to the three-match ODI series that will follow as Shubman Gill prepares to lead India in the 50-over format in England for the first time. The ODI leg will be a major test for the young captain, who will be looking to make a strong impression as India wrap up their UK tour. Gill, meanwhile, has been making headlines off the field too. While watching the men’s semifinals at Wimbledon 2026, the India ODI and Test captain drew an interesting comparison between Carlos Alcaraz’s famous drop shot and his own short-arm jab in cricket.

For Gill, the tennis shot looked familiar because it carries the same mix of speed, deception and timing that he tries to bring into his batting. “The drop shot that Alcaraz plays, it reminds me of the short-arm jab in cricket. I play that shot too; it’s my trademark shot. Quick, deceptive, and very effective,” Gill said.

The India skipper also spoke about the sporting greats he would most like to share a dinner table with. On JioStar, Gill named Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Viv Richards and Sachin Tendulkar as his four dream dinner guests, saying the conversations would be unforgettable because each of them dominated their era in a unique way.

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“Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and then the cricketers would be Sir Viv Richards and Sachin sir. Those are the four legends I would love to sit with and have dinner with them,” Shubman Gill said. “I think the conversations would be incredible. They have all dominated their eras and have so much to share about their journeys. It would be a dream dinner,” he added.

When asked to choose his favourite tennis player of all time, Gill did not hesitate to pick Roger Federer. He said Federer’s grace and ease on court left a lasting impression on him during childhood, even though he later understood how much effort goes into making elite sport look effortless.

Shubman Gill 🤝 Carlos Alcaraz pic.twitter.com/FGUrkLbpYZ

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) July 11, 2026

“Roger Federer is my favourite. Growing up, a lot of people said he made everything look effortless. But when you play a sport yourself, you realise how much work goes into making it look that way. People have called me effortless in cricket too, but I know the effort behind it. The elegance and grace Federer played with was special, and that is why I admire him,” Shubman Gill explained.

Gill also said Carlos Alcaraz would be the ideal doubles partner if he ever got the chance to step onto a tennis court. He praised the Spaniard’s energy and enjoyment on court, suggesting the match would be fun if it ever happened.

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“He looks like someone who really enjoys himself on the court. It would be fun to play alongside him. I don’t know the details, but I think I can hold my own in tennis, so that would be a fun match,” he said. India’s ODI series against England begins on July 14 in Birmingham, with the second ODI on July 16 and the third and final match scheduled for July 19.