Former India coach Gary Kirsten backs Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain ahead of the England series, praising his leadership qualities and discipline. Cricket legends Hayden and Shastri also share support and advice as Gill prepares to lead a young team into the new World Test Championship cycle.
As India prepares to embark on a new chapter in its Test cricket journey, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill, who steps into the role of Test captain following Rohit Sharma’s recent retirement. The five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley, marks the beginning of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle and a major test for Gill both as a batter and leader. The expectations are immense, and cricketing legends such as Gary Kirsten, Matthew Hayden, and Ravi Shastri have come forward to lend their insights and encouragement.
A Leadership Transition
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, India faces a significant leadership vacuum—one that 25-year-old Shubman Gill now has the responsibility of filling. The young opener not only takes the reins as captain but also steps into the critical No. 4 batting position previously held by Kohli. This dual role underscores the immense trust the selectors and team management have placed in Gill.
Former India head coach Gary Kirsten, who worked closely with Gill during his stint as batting coach of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, believes that the young cricketer has all the tools needed to thrive in the leadership role.
Gary Kirsten: “Gill Walks the Talk”
“I think Shubman is going to be a great leader. He’s a smart cricketer—he’s got a good brain for the game and understands his game,” Kirsten said in an interview on JioHotstar. “He’s very talented and a nice human being, which I think is really important.”
Kirsten highlighted Gill’s dedication and discipline, noting that he leads by example and is meticulous in his preparation. “He’s very organised, very diligent with his training and preparation, and that sets a great example for other players. I think he’s primed to take the international stage by storm,” he added.
Despite having a modest record in England—with an average of less than 15 in three Test matches—Kirsten believes Gill’s raw materials and mental approach make him a strong candidate for long-term leadership.
Matthew Hayden: “Huge Shoes to Fill, But the Tools Are There”
Echoing Kirsten’s sentiments, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden offered his perspective on Gill’s transition to leadership. Hayden emphasized that Gill is stepping into one of the most demanding roles in international cricket but backed the young skipper to succeed.
“Shubman has huge shoes to fill. There’s a very small sample size when it comes to his experience here in England,” Hayden observed. “But it takes time to build a legacy and become a legend.”
Hayden pointed out that comparisons with Virat Kohli, India’s most successful Test captain in terms of win percentage, would be premature. “Shubman is a very good player, and he’s got all the attributes needed to succeed in English conditions. There’s no doubt he has the potential to grow into the role,” he said.
Ravi Shastri: “Take Your Time, Gill”
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who saw Kohli and Sharma rise through the ranks, offered wise counsel to Gill in an appearance on The ICC Review.
“It’s not going to be easy. He’s been asked to do a tough job—that is to captain India on a tour of England,” Shastri said. He urged Gill to stay patient, composed, and focused during what is expected to be one of the most challenging series of his career.
Shastri also reflected on Gill’s leadership during the IPL 2025 season with Gujarat Titans, where his calm and composed demeanor stood out, despite the team falling short in the Eliminator.
“He’s got a good temperament. What I saw of him in the IPL with Gujarat Titans, he seemed very composed and calm,” Shastri added.
Ready for the Challenge?
While Gill’s overall Test record stands at 1,893 runs at an average of 35.05 from 32 matches, his recent performances in white-ball cricket and a solid half-century in India’s recent intra-squad match in Beckenham hint at a player in good touch. However, red-ball cricket in English conditions is a different beast altogether, as even India’s seasoned batters have learned over the years.
The upcoming series also offers India a chance to break their 17-year Test series drought in England, with the last win coming under Rahul Dravid’s leadership in 2007. With a young squad around him, Gill’s captaincy will not only be a test of skill but also of character and maturity.
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A New Era Begins
As India begins its World Test Championship campaign under a new leader, Shubman Gill has the opportunity to define a generation. With support from cricketing greats and a team full of young talent, he stands on the brink of what could be a transformative chapter in Indian cricket.
Whether he thrives or falters will depend not just on his individual performances, but on how he rallies his team, adapts to high-pressure situations, and learns from every game. For now, the cricketing world watches with cautious optimism as the Shubman Gill era begins.
