As the dust settles on the historic IPL 2025 edition, which saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) win their maiden title, the focus now shifts to the longest format. All the spotlight will be on the new-look Indian Test team as they gear up for a high-octane five-match Test series showdown against England starting from June 20. 

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India will be without their most senior servicemen, Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma, both of whom announced their Test retirement prior to the start of the series. Shubhman Gill has been named India's new Test captain. In a very recent press conference, Gill, along with Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, addressed some important questions from the media and reflected on how India is shaping up to take on England in the upcoming Test series. Below are some of the key insights that have surfaced from the press conference:

No easy replacement for Rohit and Kohli says Gill

Gill acknowledges that the loss of the two most experienced servicemen is likely going to cause a void. Both Virat and Rohit have been India's most prolific batters across all formats. To be able to fill their shows in the short space of time may not be feasible in the short run. But India's new test captain is full of hope and optimism and backs the young brigade to stand up and make a name for themselves. He further adds that there is pressure in every tour, and the boys in his camp are well-seasoned warriors and know how to tackle pressure. 

How will the batting order look? 

The batting order is still in the works. It is something which is yet to be fully ascertained. Gill's position in the batting order isn't crystal clear at this stage. He mentions that the team will get a better assessment of the batting order once they take part in an intra-squad match. The process will also involve a 10-day camp in London where the team will hold discussions and discuss key aspects of the batting order. 

Gill and Gambhir undermine claims of over-reliance on Bumrah

It goes without saying that Jasprit Bumrah will be an asset for India in these conditions. These are conditions that are tailor-made for him to strive. While India may have a handful of accomplished fast bowlers in their ranks, Bumrah is arguably indispensable. His control on line and length, coupled with his ability to strike with the new as well as the old ball, make him a very destructive prospect. However, Gambhir believes that the entire bowling unit, barring Bumrah, has what it takes to deliver results. He cited the recent example of the Champions Trophy 2025 edition, where the omission of Bumrah opened up doors for Chakravarthy, who starred with the ball in that tournament. Similarly, Gill also backs his bowlers and has full belief in them that they can turn it around from any situation. 

Gill comments on England's aggressive style of play

The Indian captain is no stranger to England's "Bazball" tactics. India have previously hosted England for a five-match series last year and registered incredible success against. England tried to outplay India in that series by deploying aggressive tactics, but the home side kept pulling them down. Gill knows what to expect from the Poms and believes that the aggressive style of play presents them with an opportunity to cash in.

Gambhir's thoughts on the horrific stampede incident

RCB's victory parade stampede has sent shockwaves all across the nation, and the Indian head coach expresses grief and condolences for the fallen souls who came in witness to cherish RCB's glory. Gambhir added that he was never a big fan of the roadshows and, in his opinion, some of the roadshows are better off being avoided for security reasons. Even during the 2007 T20 WC roadshow, Gambhir never felt safe. He further adds that he is more in favor of having celebrations inside the stadium instead of outside.  He stresses that every life holds value, and the loss of 11 lives is intolerable. Roadshows should only be staged if sufficient arrangements are made.