Gill to use Virat and Rohit blueprint on England tour
New Delhi, May 27 -- A Test tour of England in the last decade and a half has become India's own 'Final Frontier'. While the team under Virat Kohli broke fresh ground in Australia with India's first Test victory in 2018-19, and repeated it in sensational fashion the next trip in 2020-21, a victory has eluded them since the 1-0 result in 2007.
After three defeats in a row, in 2011, 2014 and 2018, where India's batters couldn't counter seam and swing bowling led by James Anderson, the last trip - split due to Covid positives in the camp - finished 2-all. The big question this time is how a squad missing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will shape up in the five-Test series starting at Leeds on June 20, all eyes will be on the youngster anointed the new skipper.
Shubman Gill, announced to lead the 18-member squad announced on Saturday, has sampled India captaincy. But stepping out for the toss at Leeds will be under the gaze of the cricket world, far from the breeze that the 4-1 T20I series win in Zimbabwe under him last year was.
The 25-year-old, the first as Punjab player to become Test skipper, acknowledged the enormity of the task after being picked to lead a Test team in transformation on the demanding tour.
"It is definitely overwhelming," Gill said in an interview on BCCI.tv after his appointment. "As a kid you dream of playing Test cricket and to now have the opportunity to lead the team is a great honour."
"It's a big responsibility, and I'm really looking forward to the exciting series ahead in England."
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and many experts are confident Gill will grow into the role. The batter himself wants to keep his primary role in the team and leadership separate as India start the fresh World Test Championship cycle.
"When I'm batting, I want to make decisions as a batsman, not as a captain," he explained. "Thinking about leadership while at the crease just adds unnecessary pressure. You need to back your instincts, take those risks freely."
Gill was India's second highest run-scorer in last year's home series against England with 452 runs in nine innings, overcoming a preceding tough phase with crucial knocks. The challenge will be far bigger in England, which he experienced in the three Tests he has played there, two of them WTC finals.
A good start by India will allow Gill to ease into Test captaincy. He spoke about the importance of building connections within the team. "I believe in leading by example - not just through performance but through discipline and hard work," he said.
"A leader should know when to step in and when to give players space. Everyone's journey is different, and to bring out the best in them, you have to understand them beyond just cricket."
Here Gill credits Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for shaping his approach. Both seniors retired from Test cricket earlier this month, leaving a void in terms of batting and mentorship.
"I've grown up watching legends like Virat bhai and Rohit bhai. Playing with them has been a blessing. Virat bhai led with passion and aggression, always from the front. Rohit bhai, though calm in appearance, was tactically sharp and very communicative with the team.
"They've shown us how to tour overseas and win. Yes, execution matters, but because of their blueprint, we know how to prepare and perform in tough conditions."...
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