Winning a Test series in SENA countries is definitely bigger and more prestigious: Shubman Gill

Team India’s new full-time Test captain, Shubman Gill, has stated that winning a Test series in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia will be bigger and more prestigious for him when compared to winning an IPL title as he embarks on a new and exciting chapter in his career.

Notably, Team India, led by Gill, is scheduled to take on England in the first Test of the five-match series at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20 in the new World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

It’s important to note that Team India hasn’t won a Test series in England since 2007. With retirements from senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravi Ashwin, the onus will be on Gill to lead the side with utmost confidence. 

“Definitely the Test series [win in England], in my opinion. You don’t get many opportunities as a captain to come to England. You probably get two—if you’re the best of your generation, maybe three. But the IPL comes every year. You get a crack at it every year. In my opinion, winning a Test series in England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia is definitely bigger and more prestigious,” Gill said in the pre-match press conference. 

“Yes, definitely. It’s the biggest honour a player can get. Captaining your country in Test cricket is something not many have the opportunity to do. I’m very excited about it,” he added.

Furthermore, the selection committee has also provided Rishabh Pant a new leadership role as he is all set to be Gill’s deputy in the five-match Test series. Gill affirmed that he and Pant would create an environment where everyone in the team feels secure, confident and backed.

“Rishabh and I have played a lot of cricket together. Our mindsets and vision are aligned. We want to create an environment where everyone feels secure. We believe that players perform their best when they feel confident and backed,” he said.

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