Newly appointed Test captain of India, Shubman Gill, acknowledged that the upcoming five-match series in England would be tough for them. At the same time, he also said that he enjoyed playing a five-match Test series due to its demanding nature as well. Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Tests before the England tour, selectors named Gill as the new captain.

Speaking in a video uploaded by the BCCI, Gill said, as quoted by ICC: “My favourite series that I played was also a five-Test match series when England came to India. There’s a different essence when you are playing a five-Test series. It’s long, it’s mentally and physically very challenging. That’s the most exciting thing that I find about red-ball cricket. It’s not going to be easy, but I think we’re ready for any challenge.”

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When he was asked how he felt to have been appointed as captain, Shubman Gill shared that it was overwhelming. However, he wanted to concentrate on doing the right things at the right time as well.

“It is definitely a bit overwhelming. As a young kid when anyone starts playing cricket, they want to play for India and not just play for India, play Test cricket for a very long time. To be able to get this opportunity is a great honour and it’s a big responsibility. I’m looking forward to this exciting opportunity and the upcoming series against England is going to be an exciting one. I believe in leading by example, not just by performance, but I think off the field by discipline and hard work. As a captain, a leader should be able to know when to step in and also when to give space to the players,” Shubman Gill concluded.