Indian captain Shubman Gill attends Wimbledon, chats with Roger Federer

By Sanjay Menon — 11 July 2026 — 3 min read

Gill’s Wimbledon Appearance

Shubman Gill, the current India Test and ODI captain, recently attended the Wimbledon 2026 Championships, where he was hosted in the prestigious Royal Box. This invitation marked a significant moment for Gill, as he became only the fourth Indian cricket captain to receive such an honour. He joins a distinguished group of Indian cricketers who have been welcomed into this exclusive enclosure, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.

The Royal Box at the All England Club is reserved for notable guests from various fields, including sports, entertainment, politics, and public life. It is considered one of the highest accolades Wimbledon can bestow upon visiting personalities. Gill’s presence at the event generated considerable interest, particularly on social media.

A video showing the Indian captain in conversation with tennis icon Roger Federer quickly gained traction online, delighting fans who witnessed the interaction between the two prominent sports figures. Gill was also seen alongside Sachin Tendulkar and Anjali Tendulkar, further highlighting his high-profile attendance at the championships.

Cricket Royalty at Centre Court

Sachin Tendulkar was among the notable personalities present in the Royal Box, returning to Centre Court as a special guest. He watched as Alexander Zverev secured his place in the men’s singles final. Tendulkar’s return was acknowledged by Wimbledon on social media, with commentators during the live broadcast referring to him as a significant figure in cricket history.

The Royal Box featured a distinguished assembly of sporting figures. Alongside Tendulkar and Gill, former West Indies captain Brian Lara was also present. The gathering included football stars such as Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, as well as Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe.

Wimbledon’s official social media account paid tribute to three generations of Indian cricketing talent by sharing a collage that featured Tendulkar, Kohli, and Gill. The post included images of Tendulkar and Kohli from Wimbledon 2015 alongside a photograph of Tendulkar and Gill from 2026, celebrating their presence at the Grand Slam event.

Gill’s Busy England Tour

Gill’s visit to Wimbledon is part of a broader tour of England with the Indian team, ahead of an upcoming three-match ODI series against England. Despite his demanding international schedule, he has managed to attend two major sporting events in Britain during this tour.

Earlier in the week, Gill experienced his first Formula 1 race, attending the British Grand Prix at Silverstone as a VIP guest. During the race weekend, he had behind-the-scenes access, visiting the paddock and interacting with members of the Formula 1 community, gaining insight into areas typically reserved for teams, drivers, and special invitees.

On the cricketing front, Gill has demonstrated strong form during the bilateral series. He scored 84 runs without being dismissed in the opening match and followed it with 154 runs in the second game. In the third and final fixture, he adjusted his batting position as India secured a nine-wicket victory. India is scheduled to play England in the fifth and final T20I at Southampton on Saturday before focusing on the three-match ODI series.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com