Shubman Gill, poised to lead India in a Test match for the first time, made headlines not just for his historic debut as red-ball skipper but for a sharp one-liner at the pre-match press conference that left reporters smiling.
The 25-year-old will lead a new-look Indian side in the five-match Test series against England, starting Friday at Headingley, marking the dawn of a new era after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepped away from the format. Naturally, comparisons to England’s aggressive style under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum—commonly referred to as ‘Bazball’—surfaced.
"You're going to have to wait until August to see what kind of style it's going to be" 👀⏳
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 19, 2025
Are Shubman Gill and India inspired by 'Bazball'? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/C4mBdHLPEy
When asked by a British journalist if his leadership and India’s approach would be influenced by England’s much-hyped philosophy, Gill smiled and calmly said:
“You’re going to have to wait till August to see what kind of style it’s going to be.”
The witty retort drew laughter from the room, reflecting Gill’s composed and grounded demeanor heading into a high-stakes series.
India’s Red-Ball Reset Begins
The series marks India’s first Test outing since the retirements of Kohli and Rohit, two icons who defined an era. With Gill confirmed at No. 4 and KL Rahul likely returning as opener, India’s batting order has been reshuffled. The series is not only a test of Gill’s leadership but also a critical phase in India’s red-ball transition.
Gill will be supported by former captains KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah, offering both experience and stability in leadership. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, meanwhile, is under pressure to reverse India’s fortunes in the format after a poor 2024/25 season, which included six losses in ten Tests and a shocking 0-3 home defeat to New Zealand—India’s worst home performance in over a decade.
The disappointing run saw India miss out on a spot in the World Test Championship Final, finishing third in the standings.
All Eyes on Gill and Gambhir
Despite the weight of expectations, Gill’s assured presence and no-nonsense attitude have generated optimism among fans and experts. While he kept the team’s tactical cards close to his chest, his Bazball remark showcased his quiet confidence and calm under pressure—qualities India will count on as they navigate this crucial transition phase.
As India begins its new red-ball journey, the spotlight will remain firmly on how Gill leads from the front, and whether Gambhir can chart a winning course for this next generation of Test cricketers.