Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has offered a candid and thought-provoking take on Shubman Gill’s latest challenge — stepping into the shoes of India’s Test captain. According to Karthik, this is not just a leadership role but a defining chapter in Gill’s young career, one that could shape the future of Indian cricket during a critical transitional phase. Gill, who has shown promise in all formats, now faces the sternest test of his cricketing life — leading a young and relatively inexperienced Indian Test side on a tough five-match tour of England, starting June 20 at Headingley.
It’s a daunting assignment even for seasoned campaigners, let alone a 24-year-old still finding his feet as a consistent red-ball performer. Karthik, speaking to the ICC, emphasised the unique pressure that comes with this opportunity.
“He’s done well in white-ball formats, and had his moments in Tests too, but now he’s being handed India’s reins for a series in one of the most challenging places to tour. England tests your patience, your technique, your temperament — everything,” Dinesh Karthik said.
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The RCB mentor added that the pressure will be immense, not just in terms of batting but also leadership. With conditions in England that constantly evolve, and opposition that thrives at home, Gill will have to juggle several responsibilities: setting tactical fields, rotating bowlers smartly, maintaining team morale, and leading from the front with the bat.
“It’s not going to be easy,” Dinesh Karthik continued. “But they’ve put their trust in him for a reason. If he does well, this could be the beginning of something very special for Indian cricket.”
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Dinesh Karthik also pointed out that Gill’s challenge is two-fold: not just performing personally, but also leading a very young team through unfamiliar conditions. “He’ll have to marshal the troops, most of whom haven’t played in such testing situations. It’s going to be a steep learning curve,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gill is also captaining the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. His team has reached the playoffs and is set to face Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator on May 30 in Chandigarh. The final is scheduled for June 3 in Ahmedabad, leaving very little time for the transition from white-ball action to the gruelling format of Test cricket.
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India’s next World Test Championship cycle begins with this England series, and all eyes will be on how Shubman Gill embraces his dual responsibility as leader and top-order batsman under some of the harshest conditions cricket has to offer.
