Shubman Gill, the new captain of India’s Test cricket team, recently spoke with Sky Sports and talked about what he has learnt from former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. As he gets ready to lead India in the upcoming Test series in England, Gill said both senior players taught him important lessons about captaincy.
Gill praised Rohit Sharma for being calm and composed, especially in high-pressure situations. He said Rohit knows how to keep the team relaxed and give clear instructions, which helps everyone play with confidence. Even when Rohit is serious, players understand he’s doing it for the team’s good.
"He(Rohit) is someone who is very clear with his communication prior to the matches, during the series and even after the series, what he wants from the players. The kind of environment Rohit bhai kept, even if Rohit bhai is swearing at you, you would not take it to your heart. That’s just kind of his personality," Gill said to Sky Sports.
Shubman Gill also spoke on how Virat Kohli's captaincy impacted him
Talking about Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill said he admired his passion and energy on the field. According to Gill, Kohli always takes quick decisions and is never afraid to change plans if things aren’t working. He also makes sure to talk to bowlers and keep them focused during difficult moments.
"When I played under Virat bhai, I think his proactiveness in the Test matches with the field or with the ideas or with his thinking was something that I liked and that I picked up. If he thinks that this plan is not working, he would immediately have another plan, communicate to the bowler what he wants from them," said Gill to Sky Sports.
As a captain, Gill says he wants to lead by example and get the best out of each player. He also tries to keep his batting and captaincy separate, so he can stay focused when he’s at the crease. India is now moving into a new phase in Test cricket, and Gill hopes to combine the best of Rohit’s calmness and Kohli’s aggression to become a successful leader.
