Shehnaaz Gill names Vaibhav Sooryavanshi her favourite cricketer after Kohli
Synopsis
Shehnaaz Gill's Instagram Q&A turned heads when she named Vaibhav Sooryavanshi — not a veteran — as her favourite cricketer after Virat Kohli. The moment spotlights just how quickly the teenage opener has crossed over from cricket pitches to pop culture, even as Gill herself gears up for her most ambitious film yet, Ishqnama, releasing worldwide on 24 July 2026.
Key Takeaways
Shehnaaz Gill named Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as her favourite cricketer after Virat Kohli during an Instagram Q&A session.
She said her go-to person in stressful times is her legal team , and revealed she spends free time 'overthinking.' Gill recently featured in the music video 'Bezaaf' with Moroccan pop star Saad Lamjarred .
Her upcoming film Ishqnama — a true-story romance set against an India–Pakistan backdrop — releases 24 July 2026 in cinemas worldwide.
Her last theatrical release was 'Ikk Kudi' ; her Hindi film debut was in Salman Khan 's 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.'
Punjabi singer-actress Shehnaaz Gill has named teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as her favourite cricketer after Virat Kohli, revealing the pick during a candid Instagram question-and-answer session with fans. The interaction, which quickly drew attention online, also offered a rare, unguarded glimpse into Gill's personal habits and upcoming projects.
What Shehnaaz Said
When a follower asked her to name a favourite cricketer beyond Kohli, Gill's reply was immediate: 'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi'. The young Rajasthan Royals opener has been one of Indian cricket's most talked-about emerging names, making Gill's endorsement a moment fans of both the actress and the sport quickly amplified.
On being asked who she turns to during stressful times, Gill had a characteristically witty answer — 'my legal team'. And when a user enquired what she does in her free time, she replied simply: 'Overthinking.'
One fan complimented her with: 'Shakal, Man or Vichaar itne saaf kaise hain?' (How are your looks, heart, and thoughts so untainted?). Gill responded warmly: 'Kyuki aap ache ho... toh apko sab ache lagte hai' (Because you're good at heart, everyone seems good to you).
Career Trajectory and Recent Work
Gill first captured national attention through her appearance on Bigg Boss 13, where her bond with the late actor Sidharth Shukla became one of the show's most talked-about storylines. She has since built a multi-platform career spanning music, cinema, and digital content.
Most recently, she featured in the music video 'Bezaaf' alongside Moroccan pop star Saad Lamjarred. On the film front, she made her Hindi cinema debut in Salman Khan's 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan'.
Ishqnama and What's Next
In February 2026, Gill unveiled the first poster of her forthcoming film Ishqnama, which she described as a 'true story of true lovers.' Announcing on social media, she wrote: 'First picture from my upcoming movie…. 'ISHQNAMA' True Story of True Lovers NIMMA–NASIMA. Releasing 24th July 2026 in cinemas worldwide.'
The film is a romance drama rooted in real events, set against an India–Pakistan backdrop. Her last theatrical release was 'Ikk Kudi', a drama about a woman who begins questioning her arranged marriage and sets out to uncover her fiancé's hidden past.
With Ishqnama set for a 24 July 2026 worldwide release, Gill's transition from reality television favourite to mainstream film lead continues to gain momentum.
Point of View
Not just a sporting one. For Gill, the Q&A is also savvy brand management: candid, self-deprecating answers ('overthinking', 'my legal team') keep her relatable at a moment when she needs public goodwill ahead of Ishqnama. The film's India–Pakistan setting is a calculated risk in the current climate, and how it is received will be a genuine test of whether her crossover from reality TV to serious cinema has fully landed.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shehnaaz Gill's favourite cricketer after Virat Kohli?
Shehnaaz Gill named Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as her favourite cricketer after Virat Kohli, revealing the choice during an Instagram question-and-answer session with fans.
What is Shehnaaz Gill's upcoming film Ishqnama about?
Ishqnama is a romance drama based on a true story, following characters named Nimma and Nasima against an India–Pakistan backdrop. It is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 24 July 2026.
What did Shehnaaz Gill say she does in her free time?
Gill replied 'Overthinking' when a fan asked what she does in her free time, in a candid exchange during her Instagram Q&A.
Who is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a young Indian cricketer who has emerged as one of the sport's most talked-about new talents, playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and drawing widespread attention for his aggressive batting at a very young age.
What was Shehnaaz Gill's last film before Ishqnama?
Shehnaaz Gill's last theatrical release was 'Ikk Kudi', a drama about a woman who questions her arranged marriage and investigates her fiancé's mysterious past. Her Hindi cinema debut was in Salman Khan's 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.'
