He addressed the media in Mumbai on Thursday before the team departs for the five-Test series against England beginning June 20 in Leeds.
“I was thrilled to receive the opportunity to lead India,” Gill mentioned. “It’s a significant responsibility, and I am eager to face the challenge in England.”
While Sharma and Kohli were already renowned cricket icons upon their captaincy, Gill, though aggressive, has yet to achieve consistent, elite performance as a batter. Across 32 Tests, he has scored 1,893 runs, including five centuries, with an average of 35.
He is determined to lead by example and align with his teammates.
“As a captain, my goal is to win every match, but when I’m batting, my focus is solely on scoring as many runs as I can for the team’s benefit,” he affirmed. “That said, I don’t fixate on averages or statistics; my aim is to lead through my batting performances.
“I don’t adhere to a specific style of captaincy; it develops through experience, and as you play more, your personal style emerges. I value strong communication with my players, as it fosters security and comfort with their strengths and weaknesses. I wish to establish that bond with my players because confident players will give 100%.”
Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah led India twice in Australia last winter in the absence of Sharma and might have been favored over Gill for the captaincy, but his back issues will restrict his participation against England. The selectors are optimistic that Gill, at 25, will enjoy a lengthy and successful tenure.
Bumrah will miss some matches due to fitness and workload considerations.
“We haven’t determined which Tests Bumrah will play,” said India coach Gautam Gambhir. “It will depend on his fitness, workload, and the series’ status. As I mentioned ahead of the Champions Trophy, it’s an opportunity for others to step up. Our squad boasts sufficient bowling talent, and the composition of our attack will be adjusted based on ground and weather conditions.”
With no Kohli, Sharma, or Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired last summer, and Bumrah unavailable for all five Tests, both Gill and Gambhir downplayed concerns about their prospects.
“Filling their shoes is challenging, but it doesn’t amplify our pressure,” Gill remarked. “The pressure to win is constant in every series, and we are accustomed to it. It depends on our ability to adapt to perform and win under such pressure.
“Our batting and bowling combination is solid. The squad blends experience with youth well.”
Gambhir added, “Yes, it’s a clean slate. However, such factors are inconsequential. During a significant tour, the excitement to perform keeps everyone in a positive mental state. We possess quality players in our Test squad, eager to showcase themselves and achieve something special.”
Gill has participated in one Test in England. Among India’s batters, only Lokesh Rahul and Rishabh Pant have previous experience touring there.
A young squad faces a formidable challenge against an experienced England team led by all-rounder Ben Stokes. Despite having Kohli, Sharma, and Ravichandran, India has not triumphed in a Test series in England since 2007. They suffered losses of 4-0 in 2011, 3-1 in 2014, and 4-1 in 2018. They led 2-1 in 2021, but the fifth Test was postponed until 2022 due to the pandemic, concluding in a 2-2 draw.
“England has a specific (attacking) style, as we witnessed during their last tour to India (in 2024),” Gill stated. “It presents a remarkable challenge. We have to be proactive in our thinking and execution as well.”
Gambhir was questioned about the tragic incident in Bengaluru on Wednesday night, where 11 fans lost their lives in a stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium while attempting to join the celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first Indian Premier League title.
“I’ve never believed in the necessity of roadshows,” Gambhir stated. “Even during my playing days, I held the same opinion – after we won the 2007 T20 World Cup, I felt we shouldn’t have roadshows. (The) lives of individuals hold far more significance.
“If a celebration is necessary, it should occur in a controlled environment or within a stadium. It is truly tragic what transpired yesterday, and my heartfelt condolences go out to those mourning their loved ones. I hope such incidents are avoided in the future as we strive to be responsible citizens and prioritize safety.”
