Shubman Gill Set to Lead India in Test Series Against England
A New Chapter for Indian Cricket
Shubman Gill is poised to usher in a new era for Indian cricket as he takes on the role of captain for the Test team for the very first time. The Indian squad is gearing up for a five-match Test series against England, commencing this Friday at Headingley. During the pre-match press conference, the 25-year-old displayed a calm demeanor and exuded confidence. While he kept the team's strategies under wraps, he seemed well-prepared for this significant challenge.
Gill in the Spotlight
With the recent retirements of Indian legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, all eyes are now on Gill. An English journalist inquired whether India would adopt the aggressive 'Bazball' style that has characterized England's recent play. Gill responded with a smile, showcasing his confidence.
A Light-hearted Exchange
The journalist asked:
"What sort of style of play will we see under your captaincy from India? Are you inspired by what 'Bazball' has done for England in the last few years?"
Gill's witty reply was:
"You're going to have to wait until August to see what kind of style it's going to be."
His humorous response elicited laughter from everyone present, including himself.
Watch the Moment
Watch the video here:
"You're going to have to wait until August to see what kind of style it's going to be" 👀⏳
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 19, 2025
Are Shubman Gill and India inspired by 'Bazball'? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/C4mBdHLPEy
Gill Takes Over Kohli's Position
Gill is set to fill Kohli's shoes at the crucial No. 4 batting position, a role that has held great importance for India over the years. KL Rahul is expected to return to the opening slot, leading to a revamped batting lineup as India embarks on a new journey in red-ball cricket.
Challenges Ahead for the Team
This series comes at a challenging time for head coach Gautam Gambhir, who faces scrutiny following a disappointing 2024–25 Test season where India lost six out of ten matches, including a disheartening 0-3 home series defeat against New Zealand. Consequently, India missed out on the World Test Championship final for the first time, finishing third in the standings.
Despite the team's fresh look, Gill enjoys substantial support. Veteran players like KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah, both of whom have previously captained the national side, are expected to play crucial roles in mentoring the young captain. Meanwhile, Gambhir aims to redeem himself and guide India back to success in Test cricket.