Shubman Gill calls for compassion in student exam protests

India's cricket captain, Shubman Gill, has publicly called for compassion and mutual respect amid ongoing student protests over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks. Gill, 26, shared his message on his Instagram account on July 23, 2026, as demonstrations that began in New Delhi have spread to other parts of the country.

In his post, Gill wrote that young people deserve every opportunity to learn, dream, and shape the nation's future. He expressed immense respect for every young person who believes in making their voice heard peacefully and emphasized the power of education in building the country. "I hope we move forward with compassion, mutual respect and keeping the best interests of every student at heart," he concluded.

The protests, which reportedly began on July 20 at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, are focused on repeated paper leaks affecting national exams, including the NEET. Demonstrators, supported by the Cockroach Janata Party and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and systemic reforms. The situation has escalated at times, with reports of police using force against protesters and...