WATCH: Shubman Gill reacts to captaining Team India against of ENG vs IND Test series
Shubman Gill, the new Test captain of India, said he feels proud to lead the team and shared that he will bat at number 4, taking the place of Virat Kohli. He spoke about creating a safe and positive space in the team, where young players feel supported. Gill also said that the playing XI will depend on the pitch conditions, and fans will slowly see the team’s new style and approach as the series goes on.
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Just a day before India begin their five-match Test series against England at Headingley, new Test captain Shubman Gill spoke to the media and gave a glimpse into his thoughts, the team’s mindset, and how things are shaping up after the retirement of seniors like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Calling it the “biggest honour anyone can get,” Gill said leading India is something every young cricketer dreams of. He spoke calmly and confidently, looking ready for the big responsibility. With both Kohli and Rohit stepping away from Test cricket earlier this year, India now start a new chapter with fresh faces in leadership. Gill said he had spoken to both of them during the IPL. “I met Virat bhai and Rohit bhai during the IPL, and they shared some good advice about playing in England,” he said.
"It is the biggest honour that a player can get" ✨
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 19, 2025
Shubman Gill on captaining India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/BpbGK5qE0w
The 25-year-old also confirmed that he will bat at number 4, taking over the spot left by Kohli. “After Virat bhai retired, me and GG bhai (head coach Gautam Gambhir) spoke, and we decided I’ll bat at that position,” he said. This change is part of India’s new-look batting line-up. Talking about the playing XI for the first Test, Gill said the team is keeping its options open. “We have a couple of combinations ready. We’ll look at the pitch and then decide,” he said, adding that the dry English summer could affect the conditions.
ALSO READ: 'I want to be the best batter' - Shubman Gill expresses his desire ahead of ENG vs IND Test series
When asked about India’s approach for this World Test Championship cycle, Gill didn’t reveal much. “You’ll have to wait till August to see what kind of cricket we’ll play,” he said with a smile, hinting that the team is still finding its style. He also made his personal goal clear. “I want to be the best batter in the series. That’s my aim,” he said.
Gill stressed the importance of creating a positive team environment. “We want to build a dressing room where everyone feels safe and supported,” he said, adding that the focus will be on backing young players and building consistency in the team.
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