Shubman Gill Hails Captaincy as Honor, Opportunity

MUMBAI: Shubman Gill, the newly appointed Test captain for the Indian cricket team, expressed his gratitude and excitement for the role. As he gears up for the series against England, Gill is prepared to take on the responsibilities and challenges that come with leadership.

Speaking on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s social media platform, the young opening batsman highlighted the significance of leading through example, both on and off the field.

“A leader should understand when to intervene and when to allow players space, recognizing that everyone has different backgrounds and personalities,” Gill stated.

“An effective leader should discern what motivates their players to achieve peak performance and optimal outcomes.”

He further explained that this experience will enable him to differentiate between his mindset as a batter and his duties as a leader. This separation will allow him to bat freely while also managing the team’s overarching strategy.

“I’ve learned that when I’m batting, I need to focus solely on that role and make decisions as a batter, not as a captain. Overthinking adds unnecessary pressure, and when you’re at the crease, you need to be able to take calculated risks,” Gill said.

Gill also acknowledged the significant impact of former Indian captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom have recently stepped back from Test cricket. Sharing the dressing room with them, Gill believes, has provided him with crucial leadership insights.

“Figures like Rohit, Virat, and Ashwin have provided a framework for succeeding in away series. While execution is key, having that blueprint gives us a clear path to victory when touring abroad.”

The 25-year-old is looking forward to the mental and physical challenges of long-format cricket. He views the upcoming five-Test series against England as a significant test of character and resilience.

“My favorite series was the five-Test series against England [in January-February 2024]. There’s a unique essence to playing a series of that length,” he remarked.

“It’s a demanding test, both mentally and physically, and that’s the most exciting aspect of Test cricket, as it challenges you on many different levels.”

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