Shubman Gill in the Champions Trophy (CT) final against New Zealand (Photo: X/BCCI)
Stepping into the role of India’s Test captain, Shubman Gill has revealed a thoughtful and player-centric approach to leadership. At just 24 years old, Gill is keenly aware that his personal style will evolve with experience, but he already places great emphasis on communication, trust, and leading through performance.
“There is no particular style of my captaincy yet,” Gill admitted. “The more I play and get experience, my personal style will be shown.” This humility is a refreshing contrast to the high-pressure environment of international cricket, where captains are often expected to have all the answers from day one.
Central to Gill’s approach is open communication with his teammates. “I like to communicate with players and make them feel secure,” he said. He believes that understanding each player’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for building confidence and fostering a positive team environment. “I want to know about the players’ weaknesses and strengths and comfort them about it,” Gill explained.
The young captain also highlighted the importance of forming strong bonds within the squad. “It’s important for me as a captain to form a bond with my teammates,” he said, recognising that trust and camaraderie can often be the difference between winning and losing in Test cricket.
🗣️ “It’s really important to create a bond with the players as a captain.”#TeamIndia Test captain Shubman Gill talks about his vision and captaincy style ahead of the England tour 🙌 #ENGvIND | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/c8f9oz8TXO
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 5, 2025
On the field, Gill wants to lead by example with his batting. “When I am batting out there, I want to play as a batsman and make decisions as a batsman,” he said. He does not let averages or numbers dictate his mindset but focuses on contributing meaningfully to the team’s cause.
Gill’s style reflects a modern captaincy philosophy that values empathy, adaptability, and leading through action. As India embark on a challenging tour of England, his calm and inclusive leadership could provide the steady foundation the team needs.
