Indian Test cricket is standing at the cusp of a new beginning. With the five-Test series in England, not only is this tour going to be important, but it will also mark the start of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. After the retirement of veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the team will now have to be given a new direction.
Shubman Gill has been given the command of the Test team, while Rishabh Pant has been made the vice-captain. This new pair will now write the story of the future of Indian cricket. In such a situation, there will be a lot of expectations from this mix of experience and youthful enthusiasm.
What did Graham Gooch say about Shubman Gill?
Former England captain, Graham Gooch believes that Indian cricket has now embarked on a new path. He said that when one door closes, another opens automatically. Gooch is confident that whatever young players get a chance now, they will not hold back in proving themselves. There is no dearth of talent in India, but it will not be easy to fill the place of big personalities like Rohit and Virat.
Regarding Jasprit Bumrah, he expressed concern that if he does not lead the attack in every match, it could prove to be a big setback for the team. He described Bumrah as a world-class bowler and also said that it is important for such a player to play continuously.
“It’s a new era, isn’t it? My view is that if one door closes, another one opens. I’m sure they’ll give a good account of themselves. Talent in the Indian cricket team is undoubted. It’s just that there’s some big shoes to fill with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring. It will be a big loss if Bumrah doesn’t lead the attack in all the games. I mean, obviously, he’s a world-class bowler,” Gooch told the Times of India.
On Shubman Gill becoming the captain, he said that it is a great honor, and expressed confidence that Gill will do it well. He also indicated that there will be pressure on the young players, but now the time has come for them to take this opportunity seriously and respond with performance.
“The pressure will be on, but some of the younger players will have to step up. And the captain, it’s a great honour to captain your country, and I’m sure he’ll (Gill) handle it in a good way,” Gooch added.
Opinion:
Now the question arises whether Gill will be able to accept this challenge? The burden of captaincy is on young shoulders, and this will be the first time he will be in this role at such a big level. Although Gill has an understanding of the game, he is calm and has the ability to bring stability to the team. The youngster has scored runs for India in difficult situations, be it the tour of Australia or the home series, and that shows his confidence.
However, leadership is not just about performance, but also the ability to take decisions and maintain composure in times of crisis. The real test of his strategy will be in challenging conditions like England. If he keeps taking advice from his senior players and remains clear about his thinking, then this responsibility can improve him.
His pairing with another youngster, although well settled in the Test team like Rishabh Pant can also bring balance. There will be pressure, but if Gill maintains confidence and focuses on the basics, then this start can be memorable for him.
