In a brief 15-minute media interaction before India’s departure to the five-Test series in England, Shubman Gill, who is taking up his first Test captain role, provided an insight into why the selectors have reposed their faith in him. Unlike the jocular one-liners that come so naturally to Rohit Sharma or the dashing bravado of Virat Kohli, Gill exuded a matured and reflective bearing. This unassuming confidence and heads-up mindset seem to be prime causes for his being chosen to lead.
Shubman Gill: The New Test Captain Of India
According to reports chief selector Ajit Agarkar had already tipped Gill about his probable appointment before the formal announcement, allowing him space for mental readjustment. On Friday morning, early, Gill departed for England at the head of an 18-man team, missing the then-retired Rohit and Kohli. Their absence creates a significant gap 190 Tests worth of experience but the selectors see it as an opportunity for India’s deep talent pool to step up.
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“My Style Of Captaincy Will Be My Own” Says Gill
“My style of captaincy will be my own; it will develop with experience,” Gill said on Thursday at the BCCI headquarters.“Like Rohit bhai, I want to make the players feel safe, comfort them, and build strong bonds. Players need to feel secure, only then can they give 100 percent.”
“When I came to know about the Test captaincy, I was overwhelmed by the honour and the opportunity. It is a big responsibility, and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
India’s Squad A Mix Of Experience And Youth
“These were two big players who had won so many matches for India. It is difficult to fill their shoes,” said Gill. “But the pressure is no different. We have a mix of experience and youth.”
The squad has young Sai Sudharsan and the seasoned Karun Nair, back in the fold which brings in balance. Nair’s double century in the first England warm-up match has greatly improved his prospects of a first XI spot. Where he bats ultimately, however, will depend on Gill’s own slot in the order whether he stays at No.3 or moves to No.4. On that, Gill was tight-lipped, suggesting that the decision was yet to be taken.
