Shubman Gill, the Indian Test skipper, addressed the reporters ahead of the first Test match at Headingley starting from June 20. The Test series starts a new WTC cycle for both teams.
The Indian team is ready to welcome a new era under Shubman Gill after veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin have retired from Test cricket.
Giil, who does not have a good record in England, will bat at number four in the lineup as confirmed by Rishabh Pant. The Indian skipper is trying to create an atmosphere where all his teammates can express each other and get the best out of themselves.
Also Read: IND vs ENG 2025: "3-1 To India" - Sachin Tendulkar Predicts Test Series Result
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Winning Tests In England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa Bigger Than IPL - Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill also leads Gujarat Titans in the IPL and will now lead the Indian team in the Test format. When asked about choosing between the two in the press conference, the Indian skipper delivered a bold verdict.
"Captain, may I ask you,if you imagine winning five test series in England and imagine winning the IPL, which one seems more magnificent to you?" a reporter questioned Gill.
"Definitely the test series, in my opinion. You know, you don't get many opportunities as a captain to be able to come to England, maybe two, if you are the best of your generation, maybe three. So, and IPL comes every year and you get to go have a crack at it every year. So, in my opinion, winning a test series in England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa are bigger," Gill responded.
The Indian skipper also stressed on the importance of picking up 20 wickets to win a Test match. He also hinted about shaping up the bowling attack based on the needs of the game.
"Yes, definitely." You can't win a Test match without taking 20 wickets, no matter how many runs you have scored. So, that has been one of our key discussion points, you know, how we're gonna take 20 wickets. And there might be a case, you know, where we could only be going with some pure batters and you could see a bowling allrounder and three to four premier fast bowlers or proper bowlers" said Gill.
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Shubman Gill's Test Numbers In England
Gill has played three Test matches in England and in six innings has scored 88 runs at an average of just 14.66. Gill has a strike rate of close to 60 in Tests in England with a highest score of 28.
