Shubman Gill handed 'marathon and sound technique' warning ahead of England Tests: 'You can't just rock up for one Test'

By Admin

26 May, 2025

As India prepares for a high-stakes Test series in England, all eyes are on the new red-ball captain, Shubman Gill, who is set to lead a youthful Indian team in a challenging five-match series starting June 2025. With a squad short on experience in English conditions and a marathon tour stretching over two months, cricketing legend AB de Villiers has offered both praise and a stark reality check.

A Young Team on the Road to England

India’s refreshed Test team, spearheaded by Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant, will begin their tour with A games starting on 30 May, with the five-Test series running until 4 August. The tour will test the endurance, technique, and mental toughness of a side still finding its feet under new leadership. AB de Villiers, speaking on his 360Live broadcast, acknowledged the energy of this fresh squad and their fearless attitude.

“It’s almost like the Ashes, two powerhouse teams as India visit England. It’s a new-look India team, Shubman Gill leads them, Rishabh Pant as vice-captain. They will be tested there, but these youngsters of India these days are absolutely fearless,” said de Villiers.

Strength in the Bowling Attack

One of the key positives, according to de Villiers, lies in India's bowling unit. The squad boasts six quality seamers—Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh—alongside three versatile spinners. This depth in the bowling department could be India's ace, particularly in English conditions where the ball does a lot more.

“The bowling attack I’m very happy with. Bumrah, Siraj, Krishna, Shardul has played well in Tests before and we know he can hold the bat and bowl well. Akash Deep and Arshdeep—it’s a wonderful bowling lineup,” de Villiers noted.

The Real Test: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Despite his optimism, de Villiers issued a word of caution to Gill and the team. Unlike shorter series, a five-Test tour in England is mentally and physically exhausting. Success in one match means little if it’s not sustained over two months.

“Yes, they are young and inexperienced, but I see more than enough talent there to stand up against England. What I’m worried about is that it’s five Test matches, it’s a marathon,” warned de Villiers. “You can’t just rock up for one Test match. It’s a lot of cricket, a lot of challenges. You have to have sound technique and be relaxed and quiet, but sticking to your guns.”

High Stakes for Shubman Gill

Taking over from Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill has the added pressure of proving his leadership abilities while nurturing young talent. With India looking to rebound from recent Test setbacks, Gill’s role will be pivotal in motivating players to claim and retain their place in the squad.

The England series promises high drama, testing every bit of India’s mettle across seam-friendly pitches, relentless pressure, and a strategic English side. As AB de Villiers rightly pointed out—it’s not just about turning up for one match, but enduring and excelling across the series. The road ahead for Gill and Co. is steep, but filled with opportunity