Former India U-19 Cricketer and Punjab Pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill Dies at 36 as Virat Kohli and Cricket Fraternity Pay Tribute
Former India Under-19 and Punjab medium pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill passed away on Wednesday, 07 May 2026, at the age of 36 in Chandigarh. The cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed. Gill’s untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the Indian cricket community, with tributes pouring in from former teammates, international stars, and the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA).
Gill, who was a contemporary of Virat Kohli at the Under-19 level, represented Punjab in six first-class matches between 2006 and 2008, picking up 11 wickets. He was also part of the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) squad in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League in 2008, making him one of the early participants in what would become the world’s richest cricket league.
Career Highlights and Contributions to Punjab Cricket
Amanpreet Singh Gill’s cricket career, while relatively brief at the highest levels, left a lasting impression on those who played alongside him. A right-arm medium-fast bowler, Gill was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and his consistent line and length on the seam-friendly pitches of northern India.
His first-class career with Punjab spanned the 2006-07 and 2007-08 Ranji Trophy seasons. In six matches, he claimed 11 wickets at an average that reflected his ability to take wickets in clusters. His best performance came in a match against Himachal Pradesh, where he returned figures that helped Punjab secure a crucial victory in the group stages.
At the Under-19 level, Gill represented India in youth tournaments alongside several players who would go on to become international stars. His time with the India U-19 team coincided with Virat Kohli’s early career, and the two shared dressing rooms during a formative period in Indian cricket’s development pipeline.
The inaugural IPL season in 2008 marked another chapter in Gill’s career. He was picked up by the Kings XI Punjab franchise, connecting him to the team representing his home state. While his opportunities in the tournament were limited — the inaugural season’s rosters were filled with international stars — being part of the squad was a recognition of his talent and potential.
Tributes from the Cricket World
Virat Kohli, who is currently in the midst of IPL 2026 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, was among the first to pay tribute. “Shocked and saddened to hear about Amanpreet Gill’s passing. Sending prayers and strength to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace. Om Shanti,” Kohli posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Yuvraj Singh, the legendary Indian all-rounder who shared the Punjab dressing room with Gill during their early careers, also expressed his grief. “Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace. Om Shanti,” Singh wrote.
Punjab Kings, Gill’s former IPL franchise, posted a heartfelt tribute on their official social media accounts: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Amanpreet Singh Shergill. A proud son of Punjab who represented us in the very first season of the IPL. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Life After Playing: Selection Committee and Mentorship
After his playing career, Gill transitioned into cricket administration and coaching, serving as a member of Punjab’s Senior Selection Committee. In this role, he helped identify and nurture the next generation of Punjab cricketers, applying the knowledge and experience he had gained during his playing days to the development of young talent.
The Punjab Cricket Association issued a formal condolence message: “Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones.”
Colleagues on the selection committee described Gill as a dedicated professional who brought a player’s perspective to the often difficult task of selecting state teams. His understanding of the pressures faced by young cricketers — having experienced them himself — reportedly made him an empathetic and effective evaluator of talent.
IPL 2026 Context: Cricket in Mourning Amid the Season
Gill’s death comes during the 2026 IPL season, which has been one of the most dramatic in the tournament’s history. The league has seen captaincy controversies at Mumbai Indians, record-breaking individual performances, and intense competition for playoff spots. The news of Gill’s passing served as a sombre reminder that cricket is, at its core, a community of individuals whose bonds extend far beyond the boundary rope.
Several current IPL players from Punjab — including those who benefited from Gill’s mentorship and selection decisions — were reportedly affected by the news. While the tournament schedule continues uninterrupted, the cricket fraternity has come together in a collective expression of grief that transcends team loyalties and competitive rivalries.
The Fragility of Life in Cricket’s Spotlight
The death of a relatively young former cricketer always prompts reflection on the challenges faced by players after their active careers end. In India, where cricket is more than a sport, the transition from playing to retirement can be particularly difficult. The spotlight fades, the income changes, and the sense of purpose that comes from representing one’s state or country must be replaced by new sources of meaning and fulfilment.
Gill’s choice to remain connected to the game through the selection committee was, by all accounts, a positive one. He found a way to contribute to the sport he loved even after his playing days were over. That his contributions are being recognised and mourned by the likes of Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh is a testament to the respect he commanded within the cricket community.
As the cricket world pauses to remember Amanpreet Singh Gill, the tributes paint a picture of a man who was “quiet, hardworking” and who “loved the game.” In a sport that often celebrates the loudest voices and the biggest stars, those qualities are a reminder that the heart of cricket beats in the dressing rooms and practice nets — in the thousands of players who give their best, represent their teams with pride, and leave a legacy measured not in headlines but in the memories of those who stood alongside them.
The Indian sporting community’s thoughts and prayers are with Amanpreet Singh Gill’s family during this difficult time. Om Shanti.
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