Shubman Gill, now the captain of India’s Test team, describes his appointment as the “ultimate honour”. At 25, he is set to embark on this challenging journey with a five-Test series against England starting on 20th June, marking the new World Test Championship cycle.
Gill emphasises his leadership strategy, focusing on understanding his team-mates beyond cricket. “As a captain, knowing when to step in but also when to give space is crucial,” Gill shared with BCCI.tv. He believes in engaging with players on a personal level to maximise their performance.
Having previously led India in a T20I series in Zimbabwe, Gill stresses the need to separate his role as a batsman from that of a captain. “When I’m batting, I want my decisions to be purely as a batsman, not influenced by captaincy,” he said. This approach, he hopes, will relieve any unnecessary pressure when he is at the crease.
Reflecting on his cricketing journey, Gill feels privileged to have been influenced by the leadership styles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both have retired from Test cricket, leaving Gill with valuable insights. “Virat bhai was aggressive and led with hunger and passion, while Rohit bhai was calm and tactical,” he observed.
Ultimately, Gill is keen to chart his own path. His goal is to lead India effectively while maintaining strong personal performances, echoing the discipline and hard work he has learned from past leaders. As cricket enthusiasts look forward to the England series, all eyes will be on how Gill adapts to his dual responsibilities as both captain and key batsman.
