Shubman Gill, India’s new Test captain, will be thrown into the deep end during the five-match series against England, which begins on June 20. The 25-year-old must lead a young Indian team through a transition period, with veterans such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli saying goodbye to the red-ball format.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra proposed that Shubman try to establish a core with players like as Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, who are projected to be part of the setup in the coming years. The cricketer-turned-expert believes that because the team is made up of many young players, Shubman has enough time to establish a culture that would define Indian Test cricket in the future.
“Form a leadership group, gather 4-5 players, and establish a core. Include Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. Form a pack of wolves. These are the guys who will be with you today, in six months, and five years from now. With a young squad, it’s critical that the captain develops alongside the group. Seniors and juniors frequently have different routines and circles, but with this new-look team, you have the opportunity to foster a shared culture. “It’s a unique opportunity to form a bond and tell a story that the entire country will be proud of,” Chopra remarked on JioHotstar.
You can take inspiration from Virat Kohli: Aakash Chopra
While some experts have suggested that Shubman should take up the No. 4 position on the batting order after the legendary Kohli’s retirement, Chopra feels that it might not be the right idea. The 47-year-old said that Shubman should take inspiration from Kohli’s success, hunger for runs, and leadership but the Punjab batter should bat at the position from where he can contribute to the best of his abilities.
“You can take inspiration from Virat Kohli’s success, his hunger for runs, his leadership, but not necessarily his batting number. That’s a very individual choice. Similarly, Shubman should play where he contributes best. Batting position isn’t about copying someone. It’s about where you fit in the team and how it benefits the side. Learn from Kohli’s mindset, play with an extra bowler if needed. That’s what leaders do, make sacrifices for the team,” Chopra concluded on the matter,” Chopra concluded.