Shubman Gill is anticipated to feel a lot of pressure when he leads his side onto the field to face Ben Stokes, the opposing captain, at the toss of the first Test at Headingley on Friday. Gill will make his captaincy debut in the forthcoming five-match Test series in England after replacing Rohit Sharma, who just declared his retirement.

There have been doubts about the 25-year-old's selection as Test captain, with some believing it was a matter of circumstance rather than careful consideration. Among top-order batsmen who have represented India in the last ten years, his batting average of 35.05 in 32 Test matches is the lowest. Although Gill's batting excellence should never be overlooked in other formats, and even to some degree in Test cricket, many believe he should have had more time to grow before being handed the team's leadership.

Former BCCI selector supports Shubman Gill

Venkatapathy Raju, a former India cricketer and former BCCI selector, discussed Gill's selection in an interview with the Hindustan Times, stating that the responsibilities of captaincy would not hinder his development or Test career.

He remarked, "Not really, not really," when comparing the GT captain to Rohit. What was Rohit Sharma, you ask? Did Rohit Sharma have trouble playing Test cricket? However, he began winning trophies when he was named captain of the Mumbai Indians. Then, out of the blue, he altered his cricketing style. Then he became the captain of India, didn't he? He performed well after becoming Indian captain."

Rohit had a Test career that lasted 67 games and 116 innings, with an average of 40.57. He needed time to adjust after his subpar start in that format. Raju, a selector during India's successful run in the 2007 World T20, also likened Gill to South African great Graeme Smith, who was made captain at a very young age.

"So Gill has participated in every format of this Indian team, correct?" And then, perhaps, I want to use Graeme Smith as an example. when Graeme Smith was still a child for South Africa. At the age of only 19, he became captain. "He made a lot of difference," he stated.

"The selectors have now chosen to give Gill the opportunity. Since it is a team sport, all the players should back him, and it is ultimately up to the senior members of the squad. His style may change as a result. He may be less irresponsible. He may seem a bit apprehensive at first, but then again, that's all there is to cricket. It's a difficult task. He must embrace the challenge. "Hopefully, he learns quickly in those five Test matches and plays the way he knows," he continued.

Gill has not yet scored a century in SENA countries, with an average of 25.70. In contrast, Gill has only been able to score 28, 15, 1, 0, 17, and 4 in the three Tests he has played in England.

He will be the center of attention during India's first Test against England. A victory in the first Test could give India's young cricketers a solid foundation, but a loss might simply raise the stakes.

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