Shubman Gill Prioritizes Team Bonding and Leadership as New Test Captain

It is a massive occasion for Shubman Gill to take the Indian Test team reins for the first time ever and he is well aware of it. He conceded that it would be difficult for the team without senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both of them retired right before the Test series against England. Their leadership and experience had been in charge of the team for a long period. But instead of viewing this as a setback, Gill considered it a new platform for other players to emerge and showcase their capabilities. He knows that this interregnum phase is crucial and he will set the tone for the future in the way he now leads the team.

Gill favors honest and transparent communication. He wishes his teammates to be at ease around him and secure in their place. He explained that when players are safe and know their places well, they can perform at their best on the ground. Gill explained that he wishes to implement this caring leadership style he gained from Rohit Sharma. Rohit's communication style of explaining things clearly and informing players about what they have to do had a deep impact on Gill. He wishes to create the same atmosphere in the team where all people trust one another and play spontaneously without fear.

He is not that convinced about emulating someone else's style of captaincy entirely. Rather Gill prefers developing his own role and gaining experience. With time he believes that his own style of leading will be more apparent. Currently his priority is to keep the team united and robust. Communicating with the players, encouraging them when they are down and acknowledging their positives are aspects he holds dearly as a captain. He added that having players feel valued and respected will make them remain united.

Gill also opined about the playing style of England that has become extremely popular known as Bazball. It is a very attacking and aggressive style wherein a lot of chances are taken and some attacking cricket is played. According to Gill, this actually can be beneficial for India. He believes that if Indian team remains prepared and responds immediately to the conditions on the ground they can put pressure on England. He termed it a thrilling challenge and hopes that it will test his players to the core if they perform according to their strategy.

He did not say anything about how his batting position would be in the series. But Gill was certain about finding that out later on as the side spends more time together. There will be a training camp and squad match in London prior to the series beginning and he hopes to make a call then. More important to him at this juncture is putting the team in the right shape and mindset before the Test series begins.

Being selected as the Test captain made Gill emotional. He termed it an experience that was overwhelming and also a huge responsibility. For a young cricketer of this opportunity, this is a massive thing and it reflects the faith that selectors and the team management have shown in him. Gill wishes to live to these expectations and is set to embrace the challenge of captaincy in India in such a significant series. The journey ahead will not be simple but he appears mentally set for it.

He also showed a great deal of confidence in India's bowling unit. Jasprit Bumrah continues to be a priority for the team and Gill wishes Bumrah played some of the games in the series. Even if Bumrah cannot play all the matches according to Gill, the team has sufficient depth in fast bowling. He mentioned that there are many pace bowlers in the team who are at their best and can turn the game around no matter what position it is. There being a good combination of bowlers provides more options to the team and assists in making intelligent decisions while playing matches.

This new era of Indian cricket will witness some changes but Gill is looking to make it happen. His style of doing things right taking care of the players believing in their potential and making decisions on the basis of discussion and planning is prudent. Instead of dashing or attempting to exert power Gill is opting to lead by gaining faith. His experience from previous captains such as Rohit Sharma is allowing him to formulate his dream for leadership.

Gill's level-headed and candid thought process will be crucial for the team particularly in difficult moments. He doesn't wish to think too much or panic. Rather he intends to proceed step by step and face problems as they arise. Getting 10 days of a camp prior to the start of the series provides the team a little time to prepare and acclimatize in foreign conditions. That preparation period can also assist Gill in watching the team closely and making decisions on the batting lineup and team combination.

India's tour of England is never an easy one. The conditions are different and teams have to adapt quickly. But with a young captain like Gill displaying maturity and responsibility the team stands a high chance to perform well. His respect for the seniors who retired his dedication to make the team feel secure and his willingness to challenge indicate that he means business in his role.

In this new adventure the Indian team will have to mature as a unit. With new leadership and new faces coming forward this is a period of transformation and possibility. Gill's emphasis on team bonding his level head and his willingness to provide a trusting environment might make all the difference. With the series commencing, all eyes will be on how the young captain keeps his cool under pressure leads the side and attempts to script a new Indian cricket history.