Buttler Praises Gill’s Captaincy, Sees Blend of Kohli and Rohit

LEEDS: According to England’s Jos Buttler, Shubman Gill, India’s rising cricket star, is poised to excel as the national Test team captain. Buttler highlighted Gill’s leadership as a fusion of Virat Kohli’s aggression and Rohit Sharma’s calm composure.

In a conversation on a podcast hosted by former England bowler Stuart Broad, Buttler shared his perspectives on Gill’s capabilities both as a player and as a leader.

“He’s a very impressive player and a grounded young individual. His communication is measured and calm, yet he displays passion and determination on the field.

I anticipate he will embody a blend of Kohli and Rohit — merging Kohli’s intensity with Rohit’s relaxed approach. Based on my interactions with Shubman, I believe he’ll find a balance that is uniquely his own,” Buttler commented.

Buttler commended Kohli for instilling a competitive spirit within the Indian team and praised Rohit for his composed leadership. He expressed confidence that Gill possesses the capacity to integrate the finest aspects of both.

“He spoke of separating his batting from his captaincy duties — focusing solely on his batting when at the crease. As captain of the Indian cricket team, it’s important to delegate effectively and surround yourself with capable individuals,” Buttler added.

Buttler also emphasized the immense fame associated with the role.

“It’s hard to grasp the magnitude of being an Indian Test captain. Reportedly, they are among the most influential figures in India, only behind the Prime Minister. It’s a substantial responsibility,” he remarked.

He noted that Gill, often referred to as Indian cricket’s ‘prince’, is stepping into a position previously held by legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

“Those are significant shoes to fill, but he’s the future. He has already captained in two IPL seasons, which involves considerable pressure, but this is on another scale. I am eager to observe how he manages it,” Buttler concluded.

Gill is set to lead India in the forthcoming five-Test series against England later this year, representing a new phase for both the player and the team as they aim to build upon the legacies of Kohli and Rohit.

Gill ranks as the fifth-youngest to captain India in Test matches, following figures like Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and Sachin Tendulkar.

Despite limited experience in Test captaincy, Gill has demonstrated leadership potential in the IPL, guiding Gujarat Titans to the playoffs during his second season as captain.

With 32 Test matches played since his debut in Australia in 2020-21, Gill has accumulated 1,893 runs with an average of 35.05. However, his away average of 27.53 suggests potential difficulties in English conditions.

This series will be Gill’s inaugural full Test tour of England, although he has participated in the WTC finals in both 2021 and 2023.

Notably, the five-match Test series between England and India is scheduled to commence at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20. The subsequent matches will take place at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.