Shubman Gill, the newly appointed Test captain for India, has openly discussed the significant influence of former captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on his leadership approach. As he steps into this crucial role, especially with the upcoming challenging five-match Test series against England, Gill reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from these two contrasting yet equally impactful leaders. Gill acknowledges that taking on the Test captaincy is a significant honor and responsibility.
Gill emphasizes that he has been fortunate to play under both Kohli and Sharma, observing their distinct leadership styles and drawing inspiration from their commitment to a common goal: winning for Team India. He notes that Kohli is known for his aggressive and passionate approach, always leading from the front with a palpable hunger for victory. In contrast, Sharma is characterized by his calm demeanor and tactical astuteness. Gill points out that while Sharma's aggression might not be as outwardly visible as Kohli's, it is definitely present in his strategic decision-making on the field.
Specifically, Gill highlights Sharma's exceptional communication skills and his ability to clearly convey his expectations to the players. He values Sharma's composure and tactical awareness, qualities that he hopes to integrate into his own captaincy. From Kohli, Gill aims to imbibe the passion and relentless drive to lead by example. Gill believes a crucial aspect of captaincy is understanding when to step in and guide players and when to provide them space, recognizing that each player has a unique background and responds differently to various leadership styles. Gill emphasizes the importance of getting to know players on a deeper level, beyond just their cricketing skills, to understand how to bring out their best performances.
Gill has already had some experience in captaincy, leading the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and also captaining India in a T20I series against Zimbabwe. These experiences have taught him the importance of separating his batting from his captaincy responsibilities. He realized that overthinking as a captain while batting can create unnecessary pressure, hindering his natural game. Gill learned to make decisions as a batsman, trusting his instincts and maintaining the freedom to take risks.
Looking ahead to the Test series against England, Gill recognizes the importance of following the "blueprint" laid down by senior players like Kohli, Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin for achieving success in overseas conditions. He acknowledges the tough challenge that awaits him and the team in England, especially given the absence of experienced players. Gill is determined to lead by example, demonstrating discipline and hard work both on and off the field.
Gill's journey as a captain is just beginning, and he is committed to learning and evolving. With the combined inspiration of Kohli's aggression and Sharma's calmness, along with his own experiences and insights, Shubman Gill is poised to carve his own path as a leader and guide the Indian team to new heights in Test cricket.
