India’s top-order batsman is eagerly awaiting this new challenge.
For Shubman Gill, simply playing Test cricket for India is a huge achievement. Leading the country in this prestigious format is, in his eyes, the ultimate honor. As a top-order batsman, he wants to set an example in this role.
After Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Tests, many were in the running to become India’s new Test captain. But 25-year-old Gill emerged ahead and earned the responsibility. His new chapter begins next month with a five-Test series in England.
Gill has prior captaincy experience, though in T20 internationals, when he led India in Zimbabwe last year. Now, he’s ready to lead the national side in whites. Speaking to BCCI TV, the 32-Test veteran expressed his excitement for the challenge.
“This is definitely the ultimate honor, and at the same time a huge achievement. When you start playing cricket as a kid, you dream of playing for India, and Test cricket is the greatest honor. Being captain is a big responsibility, and I’m looking forward to taking on this challenge.”
This month also saw Virat Kohli announce his retirement from Tests following Rohit, and earlier in December, Ravichandran Ashwin bid farewell during the Australia tour. Indian Test cricket is going through a transition.
As captain of this ‘new’ team, Gill aims not only to lead through performance but also by setting examples in other important areas.
“I believe leadership is about more than just runs — it’s also about discipline, preparation, and how you present yourself. As a captain, a leader should know when to take charge and when to step back for teammates because everyone’s life experiences and personalities are different. A good captain always knows how to get the best performance or results from his players.”
“Having these conversations with players is always exciting. It allows you to understand them beyond cricket, which helps you figure out how to bring out their best.”
Despite his new role as captain, Gill doesn’t want it to affect his batting. He wants to keep the two roles separate. He’s already showing this balance in the IPL, where he leads Gujarat Titans to the top of the points table and is the second-highest run-scorer.
“One thing I’ve learned is that when I’m batting, I should only focus on batting. As a batsman, I make decisions; not as a captain. If I start thinking about other things, it puts unnecessary pressure on me.”
Since his Test debut in 2020, Gill has played under former captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He’s eager to learn leadership lessons from both.
“When I was young, the greats and legends of Indian cricket always inspired me. I’ve had the privilege to play with many of them, like Virat bhai and Rohit bhai. They are very different types of leaders but seeing both work towards the same goal was very inspiring.”
“Virat bhai was always aggressive and led from the front with passion and motivation. Rohit bhai was aggressive too, but it wasn’t as visible in his expressions—yet he always played very aggressive cricket on the field.”
The first Test between India and England will begin at Headingley on June 20.
