Shubman Gill Embraces Leadership: ‘We Have the Team to Compete in England’ Despite Rohit and Kohli Void
As the black SUV rolled through the gates of Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on a balmy Wednesday evening, a palpable sense of excitement and urgency filled the air. BCCI officials scrambled to open the doors of the vehicle, revealing Shubman Gill, the 25-year-old prodigy and India’s newly anointed 37th Test captain. This moment marked a new chapter for Indian cricket, as Gill steps into the colossal shoes left behind by stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who recently retired from the longest format.
On the eve of India’s departure for a high-stakes five-Test series in England, Gill faced the media at the BCCI headquarters with the same elegance he displays at the crease. While the young captain might have preferred tackling the swing of the Dukes ball over a barrage of questions, he handled the press with composure and sincerity, exuding a quiet confidence that belies his age.
The biggest talking point surrounding this Indian squad is the gaping void left by Rohit and Kohli, whose combined over 25,000 Test runs and countless match-winning performances have been the backbone of the team for over a decade. Addressing the inevitable skepticism about the batting lineup, Gill asserted, “Yes, we’ve lost two of the most experienced players who’ve won numerous games for India, but I firmly believe this team has the right batting and bowling combination to compete and succeed in England.”
One of Gill’s immediate challenges upon landing in London will be finalizing his own batting position. With a Test career spanning 32 matches and 59 innings, the stylish right-hander has primarily batted as an opener or at No. 3 since India’s tour of the West Indies in 2023. However, with Kohli’s retirement leaving the crucial No. 4 spot vacant, many experts, including former players like Sunil Gavaskar, believe Gill is tailor-made for the role. Remaining non-committal, Gill said, “I haven’t decided on my batting position yet. We have time, including an intra-squad match against India A and a 10-day training camp in London, to finalize these decisions.”
Gill’s journey to captaincy is as intriguing as his silken cover drives. Having played under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah, Gill has been a keen observer, soaking in diverse captaincy philosophies. Though his leadership experience at the age-group level is limited, and his stint as captain of Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2024 yielded mixed results, Gill has shown marked improvement in IPL 2025, appearing more assured and tactically engaged.
So, what defines the Gill captaincy playbook? “For me, it’s about communication and making players feel secure. When they feel valued, they can give their absolute best,” he emphasized. This player-centric approach could be the key to unlocking the potential of a transitioning Indian side.
Preparation for England’s challenging conditions, known for seam movement and overcast skies, is another hurdle. The Indian contingent, fresh off a grueling schedule of white-ball cricket and IPL matches on flat tracks, faces a stark contrast. Historically, Test-bound players have squeezed in red-ball practice during IPL breaks, especially with the distinctive Dukes ball. When asked if he encouraged such preparation as captain, Gill left it to individual discretion. “It depends on the player. If someone is in the IPL, their commitment is to the franchise first. But during breaks between games, many players do train with the red ball,” he noted.
With India eyeing a strong showing after their last 2-2 draw in England in 2021-22, Gill’s leadership will be under the microscope. The team boasts young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and seasoned campaigners like Ravichandran Ashwin, providing a balanced mix. Yet, the absence of Rohit’s tactical acumen and Kohli’s sheer presence looms large. Can Gill, with his calm demeanor and astute cricketing brain, steer India to glory on English soil? As the team boards the flight to London, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a new era of dominance under its young captain.