Shubman-Gill-‘Difficult-to-Fill-Rohit-and-Kohli's-Space’-as-New-India-Test-CaptainIndia's Next Chapter: Shubman Gill Takes Test Reigns

 

Shubman Gill, the fresh haircut of Indian Test captaincy, enjoyed his first press conference, held just before the squad departed for the much-anticipated five-Test series in England.

Taking the leadership reins from Rohit Sharma, who had recently retired, the 25-year-old openly admitted to the intimidating task that assumes one has to fill the purgatory left by two titans of the game, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have themselves lately retired from Test cricket.

 

Gill Acknowledges Challenge

 

"It is not easy to fill their shoes," Gill said, referring to the former captains and major pillars of Indian batting for more than a decade. "They were two big-match players who had won so many matches for India, so it is difficult to fill their space.

But it doesn't put any additional pressure on us. That pressure to win is there in every series, and we are used to it. It depends on how we adapt to play and win in such pressure conditions."

The retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have surely sent a jolt across the cricketing world, especially just before a very crucial overseas tour. A clear, future-oriented agenda with this young talent is suggested by Gill's elevation—a move that seems to be embraced by the BCCI.

 

Communication is the Key to Success

 

Shubman Gill, who has previously operated as a captain for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, declared that he believed in clear communication and building solid relationships with his team members.

"I wouldn't say that there is a particular style that I would like to follow, but the more you play, the more experience you get. I like communicating with the players, making them feel secure, and providing them that comfort.

Building a bond with the players is very important, and if you are the captain of a team, you have to do this. If your players feel very secure, then only they can give you their 100 percent."

Gill has been discussed due to his so-so Test batting form, which currently sees him with a batting average of 35 from 32 Tests. Former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting suggested Gill would perhaps be better off at No. 4 initially to allow himself some breathing time from the captaincy duties.

Gill was unfazed by speculation and some off-field distractions and asserted that his only concentration is on scoring as many runs as possible for his team.

 

Can Gill's Strategic Vision Help India in England Test

 

It will be a hard test in the series against England that commences at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20, as England, especially at home, will present a tough challenge under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, haunting the Bazball way. India has not won a Test series in England since 2007, and the absence of senior bowlers Bumrah and Ashwin surely makes this task more daunting.

Gill spoke of England's aggressive approach and immediate mindset to thought and execution. The management for both teams is yet to decide on the playing XI, with the batting order to be finalized following an Intra-squad Match and 10 days' training camp in London.

Despite what's to come, Gill's calm demeanor and lucidly mapped leadership style hint that the man is ready to lead India into this new Test cricket age.