Desk Correspondent , New Delhi - Virat Kohli expressed shock and grief over the untimely demise of his former India U-19 teammate Amanpreet Singh Gill, who passed away at the age of 36 in Chandigarh on Wednesday. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Kohli shared an emotional message remembering his ex-teammate. “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,” he wrote.

Gill, a former India U-19 and Punjab medium-pacer, had a brief domestic career but remained closely associated with the game. He played six first-class matches for Punjab, picking up 11 wickets. He was also part of the Kings XI Punjab squad during the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Tributes poured in from across the cricketing fraternity, including from two-time World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh. “Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill's passing. I shared the dressing room with him 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,” Yuvraj posted. 

The Punjab Cricket Association also mourned his passing, extending condolences to his family. “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. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time,” the statement read. Gill had represented India at the junior level, featuring in five Youth ODIs and one Youth Test in 2007. Although he did not make the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2008-winning squad led by Kohli, he remained a respected figure in Punjab cricket. Post-retirement, he served as a member of Punjab’s senior selection committee.

In his short first-class career, Gill notably claimed the wicket of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera. His sudden demise has left the cricketing community in mourning, with former teammates and officials remembering him as a dedicated and humble cricketer who had a deep love for the game.