There’s no greater test of temperament and technique in modern cricket than a Test series in England. Swinging Dukes, capricious skies, and relentless media scrutiny—this is the full package. Into this cauldron walks Shubman Gill, not merely as a batsman with a point to prove, but as India’s newest red-ball captain. And make no mistake—he’s walking a tightrope, with both his leadership credentials and batting prowess under the scanner.
Let’s start with the brutal reality. In six Test innings in England, Gill has managed just 88 runs. That’s an average of 14.66—a figure that would make even a tailender uncomfortable. To now lead India in this unforgiving setting, against Bazballing England no less, is a challenge of Himalayan proportions. It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about his vulnerability outside off-stump, his tendency to plant the front foot early, and his discomfort when the ball swings late. All of this will be dissected in high-definition slow motion by the English pace battery—and likely by former cricketers moonlighting as analysts.
Gill’s batting has always been a thing of beauty—silken drives, minimal fuss, and that rare blend of poise and precision. But elegance doesn’t count for much when you’re nicking Chris Woakes or Jamie Smith to slip in the third over. English conditions demand two things Gill must quickly master: decisive footwork and late shot selection. The ball moves after pitching, not before. And that’s where many a subcontinent prodigy has flattered to deceive.
And then, there’s captaincy.
The current Indian Test squad is youthful—some would say raw. With no Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli to shepherd the flock, Gill is not just India’s first-choice opener—he is their tactical compass, emotional anchor, and voice in the huddle. That’s a lot of hats for a 24-year-old to wear. When I played Ranji, even leading a state side at that age meant daily lessons in man-management. Now magnify that to leading India. Every decision, every expression, every word at the toss becomes national news.
So, what does he need to get right?
Gill’s first job is to solidify the dressing room atmosphere. A young team can be fearless, yes—but also fragile. Camaraderie and clarity are essential. Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudarshan, and Karun Nair will look up to him not just for inspiration but direction. He must be firm without being feared, respected without being aloof.
We’ve seen it happen—batters burdened by the crown often lose their flair. Gill must guard against that. A couple of gritty 70s on green tops can quiet a lot of noise. He has to lead with the bat, not just the brain. India needs starts—20/2 on a chilly morning at Lord’s won’t just put the team under pressure; it’ll expose a middle order already missing stalwarts.
England under Ben Stokes and Joe Root is a different beast. They don’t play to survive—they play to dominate. Gill will need tactical acumen—when to attack, when to plug runs, how to rotate bowlers. He can’t rely only on instinct. Does he have a bowling plan if Brydon Carse swings momentum? Can he marshal spinners if the pitch flattens out? These are questions he must answer on the fly.
Rohit and Kohli weren’t just players—they were institutions. Gill inherits not just a team but a legacy. In their absence, who becomes the new clutch player? Can Rishabh Pant return and be that guy? Will Shardul Thakur’s all-round skills be maximised? Can Siraj shoulder the attack’s rhythm? Gill must help answer these questions not just with words, but selections and on-field decisions.
India isn’t playing just for pride—it’s playing to qualify for the World Test Championship final. That’s non-negotiable. Anything less would be seen as regression. A poor showing in England could tip that balance. Gill isn’t just building a team—he’s protecting India’s place in the sport’s elite.
This is also a moment of opportunity. Legends are born not from comfortable series wins at home, but from overcoming the odds abroad. This is Gill’s Ganguly-in-Australia or Kohli-in-South-Africa moment. The road is steep, yes, but the rewards—both personal and national—are immense. If he can shepherd this young brigade, score tough runs, and challenge England in their den, we’re not just looking at India’s next Test captain—we’re possibly looking at a long-term leader who could shape the next decade of Indian cricket.
Right now, the bat is in his hand. The canvas is blank. And the whole cricketing world is watching. (The author is a former Hyderabad Ranji star)
