Leeds, June 19 : India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill has expressed that winning a Test series against formidable teams like England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is a far greater achievement than clinching an Indian Premier League (IPL) title.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday ahead of the five-Test series against England, the 25-year-old said, “Without a doubt, winning a Test series is a bigger accomplishment.” Gill is set to lead India following the retirement of stalwarts such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin from Test cricket.
He elaborated, “As a captain, you don’t get too many opportunities to tour England. If you're among the best of your generation, you might get two or three such tours. IPL happens every year, but winning a Test series in England, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa is something truly significant.”
Though Gill has limited experience with red-ball cricket in English conditions, he remains undeterred by the challenge. “Some may argue that our team lacks experience, but that works in our favor too. There won’t be as much pressure of expectations since most of us haven’t played here before,” he said.
Reflecting on India’s legacy in the format, he added, “What our seniors have given us over the past 5–10 years is a blueprint that we can win anywhere. We aim to carry forward that same confidence.”
On his batting position, Gill confirmed a strategic shift post Kohli’s retirement. “After Virat bhai retired, Gautam Gambhir (head coach) and I discussed and mutually agreed that I should take up the No. 4 position.”
The young captain emphasized fostering a secure and transparent environment within the team. “If we can achieve that, we will be very successful in this Test series and the WTC cycle. It's important to communicate clearly with the players about what’s expected from them while also allowing them to play their natural game.”
Gill also revealed that he consulted both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the IPL in preparation for the England tour. “I spoke to them during the IPL, and they shared their insights, especially about playing in England. The home series we played against England in 2023-24 was one of my best, even though some senior players were unavailable in every match.”
As India embarks on this crucial tour under a new leader, Gill's clarity of thought and focus on building a strong team culture suggest that a promising new chapter in Indian Test cricket may be about to unfold.
