India’s new cricket captain, Shubman Gill, shared his thoughts in Leeds on Thursday about the importance of winning a Test series in England compared to clinching an IPL title. At just 25, Gill mentioned that his young team, missing big names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, plans to approach this series without any pressure. “For me, winning a Test series is definitely more special,” he said when asked to compare the two.
He pointed out that opportunities to captain in England are rare, maybe only two or three times in a career, while IPL happens every year. “Winning a Test series in countries like England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is a bigger deal,” he noted.
Despite not having much experience playing red-ball cricket in England, Gill wasn’t worried. He believes that since many players are new to England, they won’t carry any past burdens. “That could actually work in our favor,” he explained.
Gill is also focused on providing a supportive environment for his players. “If we create that kind of space, I think we’ll do well in both the Test series and the WTC cycle,” he said. He emphasized the importance of clear communication with his team, encouraging players to embrace their natural style.
He mentioned that during the IPL, he sought advice from Kohli and Rohit about the challenges in England. “They shared their experiences with me, which I found really helpful,” he said. Gill reflected positively on a recent Test series against England in India, noting that even without many senior players, they performed well.
As for the weather, Gill noted that this summer has been drier than usual, making it tricky to finalize their playing XI. “We were waiting to see the wicket one more time before deciding on the team,” he added.