DK Cautions Gill Before 'Walking Into Lion's Den': 'Enormity Of... Test Captain'

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Last Updated: June 16, 2025, 22:48 IST
Shubman Gill will lead a new-look Indian team against England (Picture credit: BCCI)
Shubman Gill is set to usher in a new era as India's Test captain with a five-Test series against England, beginning on June 20.
Gill will be leading a transitioning India that seeks its first Test series victory in England since, but former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik feels the young Indian skipper may find things not to be as rosy.
'I really don't think he has realised the enormity of what it means to be a Test captain. He is walking into the lion's den. Coming to England as a cricket nation is not easy, and there have been many a team with superstars who have come and have found that it really hard," DK said on Sky Sports.
Dinesh Karthik, though, went on to add that India can count on the inexperienced England bowling attack to get the upper hand in the Test series.
'Luckily for Shubman Gill, I think the England bowling attack is very vulnerable. That is the only positive, I see. They are going to be put under pressure, with the bat, when I say bat, I mean, England, batting will definitely put India under pressure. But the bowling is an area that is still a work in progress for England and could very well play into India's hands," he added.
Following Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket, Gill was appointed as India's 37th Test captain, who has previously played as an opener and No. 3 batter for India in Tests.
His debut assignment as skipper will inaugurate India's new World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. The right-handed opening batter will have wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant as his vice-captain.
The upcoming India tour of England represents a significant new chapter for Team India as a revamped squad prepares to face one of cricket's most challenging tasks in English conditions. Historically, India has found success in Test series on English soil to be rare, having won only three series in England over the past century.
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These landmark victories occurred in 1971, 1986, and 2007, each time under the leadership of a new or first-time captain – Ajit Wadekar in 1971, Kapil Dev in 1986, and Rahul Dravid in 2007 – underscoring the crucial role of fresh leadership in these historic achievements.
(With inputs from Agencies) Ritayan Basu
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov... Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov... Read More News cricket DK Cautions Gill Before 'Walking Into Lion's Den': 'Enormity Of... Test Captain'