India’s cricketing landscape is entering a new era with Shubman Gill taking over as the Test captain. At just 25 years old, Gill has been entrusted with one of the most prestigious roles in Indian cricket. As he prepares to lead India in a challenging five-match Test series against England, the young skipper has spoken about the immense influence of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin on his journey.
In a recent BCCI video, Gill shared his thoughts on what he learned from these cricketing giants, his unique captaincy style, and the pressure of leading a team in transition.
Gill began by acknowledging the vital role played by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin in shaping India’s Test success over the years. He praised them for creating a “blueprint to win” overseas — a challenge India has historically struggled with but recently conquered under their leadership.
“Guys like Rohit bhai, Virat bhai, and Ashwin bhai… they have given us a blueprint on how to tour away from home and win matches and series,” Gill said. Their experience and tactical understanding of overseas conditions, especially in Australia and England, have set a clear path for the next generation to follow.
While discussing Rohit and Virat’s captaincy, Gill noted that their leadership styles were contrasting yet equally inspiring.
“Virat bhai was always very aggressive, leading from the front with hunger and passion. Rohit bhai, on the other hand, was calm, composed, and tactically brilliant,” he said. Despite their differences, both captains were driven by the same goal — to lead India to victory.
Gill highlighted how Rohit’s ability to stay calm and communicate clearly with players helped build trust and unity in the team. Kohli’s fierce passion and intensity brought out the best in his teammates by setting high standards in fitness and performance.
As he steps into the shoes of these giants, Gill is aware of the responsibility that comes with the role. He believes in leading by example — not just through on-field performance, but also through off-field discipline and work ethic.
“I believe a good leader knows when to step in and when to give space to players,” Gill said. “Everyone has grown up differently, and a good captain understands what drives each player to perform at their best.”
He aims to build personal connections with his teammates, not just as cricketers but as individuals. According to Gill, deeper conversations help bring out the best in players and foster a more cohesive unit.
One of the most common challenges for captains is balancing leadership with personal performance. However, Gill has a clear approach: keep them separate.
“When I’m batting, I want to think like a batsman — not as a captain,” he said. He believes this mindset gives him the freedom to play his natural game without the added burden of tactical decisions during an innings.
By maintaining this separation, Gill hopes to continue performing consistently while also making sound decisions as a leader.
Describing his appointment as “overwhelming,” Gill said leading India in Tests is a dream come true. “As a young kid, anyone who starts playing cricket wants to play Test cricket for India — and to lead the side is a huge honour.”
The upcoming England series will be his first major test as captain. It’s a formidable challenge, especially without the experience of Rohit and Kohli in the lineup. However, Gill’s confidence, vision, and grounding in the values passed on by his predecessors give hope for a smooth transition.
Shubman Gill’s rise to Test captaincy marks the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket. By learning from legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and by staying true to his philosophy of leadership and performance, he aims to carry forward India’s legacy in the purest format of the game. The England series will be the first true test of his leadership, and all eyes will be on how the young skipper steers the team through this new chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gill said that Rohit and Virat had very contrasting leadership styles but were both inspiring. Kohli was aggressive and passionate, while Rohit was calm and tactically sharp.
According to Gill, they provided a roadmap for winning Test matches and series away from home, which is now a guiding strategy for the team.
Gill emphasized separating his role as a batsman from captaincy responsibilities to avoid unnecessary pressure and maintain clarity in decision-making.
He believes in leading by example through performance and discipline, and in giving players space while understanding their individual personalities.
Gill’s first assignment as Test captain will be the upcoming five-match series against England, marking a major step in his leadership journey.
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