Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara said the upcoming Test tour of England will be a challenging task for India’s new red-ball captain, Shubman Gill, but presents a chance for the young player to shine.
“When you are going abroad as a captain, whether you are a young captain or a mature one, it is going to be challenging. But, it’s a great opportunity for a young player,” Pujara said.
“The team management and selectors are thinking that he could be the one who can lead the Indian team for a long time. The role of the support staff will be important in guiding the young leader,” he added.
Gill was announced as India’s next Test captain by chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday, and the decision has received mixed reviews considering the Punjab batter is yet to nail down a spot in India’s batting order.
READ | As Gill matures into India’s Test captain, Ghavri has a word of caution
In 32 Tests, Gill averages just a shade above 35. Away from home, the average drops to 29.50 with a solitary hundred in Bangladesh. Gill’s numbers in English conditions also don’t make for good reading, with a highest score of 28 across six innings.
Pujara opined that the new skipper must continue to trust his natural game and ensure that the added mantle of captaincy is kept aside while batting.
“His batting approach is not going to change, and shouldn’t. He is an aggressive player who likes to play his shots. When he goes to England and starts his preparation, he will understand what shots can be played in English conditions and what he should avoid,” the veteran of 103 Tests said.
“He won’t think about the captainship while he is batting. Your job as a batter is to build a partnership with whoever is at the other end. I’m sure he can differentiate both aspects.”
The Saurashtra batter reckoned, in the absence of senior players, the series presents an opportunity for the younger crop to display their skill and “show they belong at this level”.
“Scoring runs in England is going to be challenging, even if you’re experienced. They [youngsters] will have to work hard. I genuinely feel they have the talent. Even if they fail for one or two innings, they will just have to be mentally strong and carry on,” Pujara said.
The Indian Test squad also saw two new call-ups in the form of B. Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, as well as a recall after eight years for Karun Nair. The three have some County Championship experience under their belt, and Pujara believes the experience will hold them in good stead.
“I am sure all three players who have played county cricket would have got a lot of experience out of it. It will help them prepare better if they get an opportunity to be part of the Playing XI,” the former Sussex captain said.
“Playing county cricket has helped me immensely in my journey. It’s not just about playing in England. But even when I went away, to South Africa or Australia, even in those conditions, my county experience helped me,” he explained.
Pujara’s last appearance in whites for India was during the World Test Championship final loss to Australia in 2023. The 37-year-old suggested that his focus was on staying in the present, rather than hoping to make a comeback again.
“Whatever happens next is something which I can’t control. I always try and control the things I can, to enjoy the game, be it domestic, club or county cricket,” the batter said.
“The career so far has been fantastic, and I have zero regrets.”
[The conversation was organised by Sony Sports Network, the official broadcaster of India’s upcoming tour of England]
