Former India cricketer Yograj Singh has thrown his weight behind Shubman Gill ahead of India’s upcoming five-match Test series against England. He has urged the young captain to lead from the front with the bat and channel the leadership qualities of the legendary Kapil Dev.
The five-match Test series, set to be the first challenge of Gill’s Test captaincy career, comes at a time when Indian cricket is transitioning after the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. At just 25, Gill finds himself entrusted with the responsibility of leading India against an England side that has redefined its approach under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
Notably, India has historically struggled to win a Test series on English soil. Their last series win in England came in 2007 under the captaincy of Rahul Dravid. With a new leader in charge and several senior players absent, the tour offers Shubman Gill a chance to stamp his authority.
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Yograj Singh Wants Shubman Gill to Inspire Team India Through His Performance.
Yograj, known for his outspoken nature and firm opinions, shared his hopes and expectations from the new Test captain in a conversation with ANI.
Speaking in an interview, he revealed a recent conversation with his son, Yuvraj Singh, where they discussed the leadership role Gill must embrace and how his success could define India’s fortunes in the England Test series.
“A few days ago, I was talking to Yuvraj Singh about Abhishek (Sharma) and Shubman Gill. Yuvraj said he would have to lead from the front. As Shubman Gill goes out to bat, he has to stay at the crease for the maximum time. When a captain leads from the front, and scores run. It is important for Shubman to set a target of 100, 200 or 300. He has to lead from the front. He also has to take everyone forward together, just like Kapil Dev did in the 1983 World Cup. I believe India will win the series,” Yograj said as quoted to ANI.
While Yograj’s words may seem ambitious, they echo the feelings of many who see Gill as a potential torchbearer for India’s next generation in Test cricket.
India Lose KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan in Headingley
England won the toss at Headingley and asked India to bat first. The visitors were off to a fantastic start and scored 91 runs for the first wicket before KL Rahul perished.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rahul opened the innings. Sai Sudharsan, who was handed the Test cap, followed at No. 3 but fell for a duck. Gill, Rishabh Pant, Karun Nair and Ravindra Jadeja form the middle-order.
Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will perform the pace-bowling duties, while Jadeja will bowl a bit of spin when needed.
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