“In my view, the Test Series,” Gill responded when asked to compare the significance of winning a Test series in England versus claiming an IPL title as the captain of the Gujarat Titans. “Captaining in England offers you a rare chance, maybe just two tours if you’re among the elite of your generation, or possibly three,” he explained during the pre-match press conference.
“The IPL occurs annually, allowing for repeated attempts each year. To me, winning a Test Series in England, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa (the SENA nations) is a more significant achievement,” he added.
While Gill’s team may not have extensive red-ball cricket experience in England, the captain appeared unfazed. “Many discuss our lack of experience, but on the flip side, we come without the baggage that sometimes affects players who have been to England before,” he mentioned.
“This could actually work to our advantage as we won’t be carrying any preconceived notions,” he continued.
“The framework passed down from our seniors over the last 5-10 years indicates that we can win anywhere, and we will endeavor to maintain that confidence.” Gill mentioned that both he and head coach Gautam Gambhir believe the No. 4 batting position suits him well post-Kohli’s retirement.
“Following Virat Bhai’s retirement, GG (Gautam Gambhir) and I had a discussion where we both agreed that I should bat at No. 4, and I was also keen on that position,” he stated.
Once again, the captain emphasized the importance of fostering a “secure” environment for his players to ensure optimal performance.
“If we can create that environment, then I believe our Test series and WTC cycle will thrive,” he expressed.
Gill also highlighted the necessity of providing extended opportunities to deserving players.
“It’s crucial to have clear communication; outlining expectations, assigning roles, and understanding how they prefer to approach the game. It’s about instilling confidence to support them in playing naturally,” he explained.
“Certainly, there are players to whom you might extend longer ropes due to the pure potential you recognize in them. However, it’s essential to maintain clear communication and have honest discussions—that’s how I believe a strong leader-player bond is built,” he added.
Gill mentioned that he sought insights from Kohli and Rohit during the IPL to prepare for the England tour.
“I spoke with both during the IPL about their experiences, particularly in England, and the potential challenges we may encounter,” he shared.
“The Test series we played against England in India (2023-24) was among the best of my career, even though not many senior players participated in every match.
“The approach we took during that series is what I anticipate for this one as well,” he noted.
Gill remarked that a comparatively drier summer has led the Indian camp to finalize their playing XI later than usual.
“We were actually waiting since this summer has differed from typical English summers and felt a bit dry. I was just looking to observe the wicket one last time to determine our final combinations and make our decision,” he concluded.
