Shubman Gill is ready to embrace his new role as India's Test captain and lead the team in his own way. The 25-year-old will begin his captaincy journey with a challenging five-Test series against England, starting June 20th. Gill's appointment marks the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket, especially after the recent retirements of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the Test format.
Gill acknowledges the significance of filling the shoes of Sharma and Kohli, who have been pillars of the Indian team for years. He recognizes the pressure that comes with the role but is determined to approach the challenge with his unique leadership style. Speaking at a pre-departure press conference, Gill emphasized that he doesn't have a "particular style" in mind and believes that it will evolve with experience.
Instead of trying to emulate his predecessors, Gill intends to focus on open communication and creating a comfortable environment for his teammates. He aims to understand their strengths and weaknesses, making them feel secure in their roles within the team. Gill believes that when players feel confident and supported, they are more likely to perform at their best.
"I like to communicate with the players. I would try to get them comfortable with their strengths and weaknesses. The players should feel secure, only then will they perform well," Gill stated, highlighting his vision for a collaborative and supportive team environment.
While Gill has captaincy experience in T20Is and the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading the Test team presents a different challenge. He led the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, showcasing his tactical acumen and earning praise for his calm and mature approach. However, Test cricket requires a different set of skills and strategies, demanding patience, resilience, and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that Gill will have to learn on the job but expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team. Gill's deputy for the England tour will be Rishabh Pant.
Gill's leadership will be crucial as India faces a formidable England side in their home conditions. The series will be a stern test of his captaincy and batting skills, as he aims to lead by example and guide the team to success. Despite not having impressive stats in England previously, Gill is determined to improve his performance and contribute significantly with the bat.
Facing England's aggressive "Bazball" strategy will also be a key challenge for Gill and the Indian team. He acknowledges the exciting nature of this approach and believes that proactive planning will be essential to put the English team on the back foot.
Gill's focus remains on scoring runs and contributing to the team's success. While averages and numbers are not his primary focus, he recognizes the importance of leading from the front with his performance.
As Shubman Gill embarks on this new chapter in his career, the Indian cricket fraternity will be watching closely to see how he molds the team and leads them forward. His emphasis on communication, player comfort, and adaptability suggests a promising start to his Test captaincy journey.
