Team India is embarking on a new era in Test cricket. This significant shift arises as the team steps onto the field without stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Under the leadership of 25-year-old Shubman Gill, the team is set to engage in a five-match series against England. This marks the first trial for India under Gill’s captaincy, with the initial test unfolding in Leeds on June 20.
Proving Prowess on Both Fronts
The truth is, Shubman Gill must showcase his abilities on both fronts during this England tour. Historically, India last clinched a Test series victory in England back in 2007. This places a fresh challenge on Gill’s shoulders, where he aspires to replicate such triumph as a captain. Additionally, Gill needs to transform the game’s direction through his batting performance.
Recently, Dinesh Karthik, who interviewed Gill, remarked, ‘He might not have realized the gravity of being India’s Test captain yet. He is venturing into lion's territory. Competing in England, a haven for cricket, isn’t a straightforward task.’
Struggling for Big Runs in SENA Nations
Having played 32 Tests for India, Gill has struggled to score notable innings in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia). Specifically focusing on his Test performance in England, it has been fairly disappointing. In 6 innings across 3 Test matches, he has managed just 88 runs. This includes the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton in June 2021.
Source: aajtak
One Half-Century in Last Ten Innings
Since making his Test debut in 2020, Gill has scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.05, including 5 centuries and 7 half-centuries. Yet, in his last 10 Test innings, he has managed just one half-century. As the England series approaches, all eyes will be on which batting position he occupies. Former Indian captain Ravi Shastri envisions the new Test captain Gill batting at number four.
Facing English Pitches with Bounce and Pace
Gill’s recent form is noteworthy, having scored 650 runs at an average of 50.00 in IPL 2025, positioning himself fourth among the highest run-scorers behind Sai Sudarshan (759), Suryakumar Yadav (717), and Virat Kohli (657). However, he now confronts the challenge of England's fast and bouncy pitches.
Gill isn’t new to captaincy. He has led in 27 IPL matches, securing victory in 14 and facing defeat in 13 with the Gujarat Titans (GT). His leadership skills have been tested on the international stage as well, where he notably led the team to victory in 4 out of 5 T20 matches during the Zimbabwe tour.
'...Gill is Kind of Fortunate'
As per Dinesh Karthik, Gill is somewhat fortunate since England's bowling attack isn't as formidable. While England’s batting will likely pressure India, their bowling remains a work in progress and might be advantageous for India. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also opines that with several key English bowlers injured or retired, England faces its significant challenge ahead.
