Shubman Gill was appointed as India’s latest Test captain on Saturday, May 24, replacing the legendary Rohit Sharma. The Punjab batter will lead India’s red-ball side for the first time during the upcoming five-match Test tour of England on June 20.
Harbhajan Singh lauded the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) move to appoint a young captain like Shubman, who is just 25 years old, at the helm. The former India off-spinner, however, stated that it will be tough for Shubman and his deputy Rishabh Pant to fill the void created by the sudden retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit, especially in English conditions, which are quite challenging.
“Obviously, it is a great move, having a young captain like Shubman Gill who has done well in franchise cricket. But this is going to be a tough tour. England has never been an easy place to play Test cricket. I hope that Shubman and Rishabh Pant-this young team-can step up. There is no Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, and that leaves a big gap that needs to be filled. Shubman will have to lead from the front,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying by India Today.
Harbhajan also urged the stakeholders of Indian cricket, including the fans, not to judge Shubman by his captaincy performances if the England tour doesn’t run smoothly. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the players will only learn from their experience playing in England, and that will stand them in good stead in subsequent assignments.
“I would also like to ask people not to start judging too early-even if this tour doesn’t go their way. It is okay even if they do not win; they will be learning from the experience. I believe that everyone on this tour will come back stronger,” Harbhajan opined.
Shubman has led India in five T20Is so far. He captained a young Indian team to a 4-1 series win against Zimbabwe in Harare last year.
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