Gill's big test: Shubman to captain India in England, Shastri shares key advice
Shubman Gill is set to lead India in red-ball cricket for the first time, stepping into the captaincy for the high-stakes five-Test series in England starting June 20 at Headingley. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring last month, the 25-year-old batter inherits one of the most demanding jobs in world cricket.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, speaking on The ICC Review, offered candid advice: 'Take your time. It's not going to be easy. He's been asked to do a tough job — captaining India in England.'
Gill, who debuted in December 2020, has scored 1893 Test runs at an average of 35.05. While English conditions present a stern challenge, Shastri sees this tour as a vital learning curve.
'What I saw of him with Gujarat Titans in the IPL impressed me. He was composed, calm, and showed tactical maturity,' Shastri said, referring to Gill's captaincy stint this season, which ended in the Eliminator.
India last won a Test series in England in 2007. Gill now leads a new-look side in the first series of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
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