IND vs ENG: Jos Buttler Hails Shubman Gill as a Perfect Blend of Kohli and Sharma
As India stands on the brink of a transformative chapter in Test cricket, the anticipation for the upcoming five-match series against England is palpable. Scheduled to kick off on June 20 at the iconic Headingley Stadium in Leeds, this series marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle for India under the dynamic leadership of Shubman Gill.
With Gill stepping into the captaincy role, all eyes are on how the young leader will steer the Indian ship against a formidable England side. Amidst this fervor, England’s star wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler has come forward with high praise for Gill, likening him to two of India’s greatest modern-day captains, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
In a recent episode of the popular podcast ‘For The Love Of Cricket’, Buttler, alongside former England pacer Stuart Broad, delved into Gill’s demeanor both on and off the field. ‘He’s pretty calm and measured when he speaks, but on the field, he’s got a sort of fire and intensity. I think he’ll be a mix of Kohli and Rohit,’ Buttler remarked. He elaborated on this blend, noting Kohli’s aggressive, transformative energy that redefined Indian cricket, contrasted with Rohit’s cool, collected approach laced with an underlying passion. ‘My time knowing Shubman so far tells me he’ll be somewhere in the middle,’ Buttler added, reflecting on their shared time at Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, where Buttler notched up an impressive 539 runs in 14 matches with a best of 97*.
India’s preparation for this blockbuster series has been meticulous, with the squad recently wrapping up an intra-squad match between India A and the senior team in Beckenham. Although the match was called off midway through Day 3 by the management due to unforeseen circumstances, the team gained valuable insights into their form and strategy. The squad is set to depart for Leeds on June 17, eager to fine-tune their skills ahead of the first Test.
Historically, India-England Test series have been nothing short of epic battles, with recent encounters showcasing high drama and intense competition. India will be looking to build on their past successes, including the memorable 2-1 series win in England in 2021, while England, under the aggressive ‘Bazball’ philosophy of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, will aim to dominate on home soil. With Gill at the helm, India hopes to blend youthful exuberance with tactical acumen to counter England’s formidable attack, featuring the likes of James Anderson, who is nearing a historic 700 Test wickets.
As the countdown to June 20 begins, Buttler’s comments have added an extra layer of intrigue to Gill’s captaincy debut. Will the young leader channel the fiery spirit of Kohli and the calmness of Rohit to guide India to victory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this series promises to be a captivating clash of cricketing titans, setting the tone for an unforgettable chapter in India-England rivalry.