Shubman Gill reveals the real difference between Virat and Rohit’s captaincy

Shubman Gill reveals the real difference between Virat and Rohit’s captaincy

Shubman Gill, newly appointed Indian Test captain, believes that former skippers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have given the team the “blueprint to win” Test series abroad. The 25-year-old will lead India in a five-Test series against England next month.

“Guys like Rohit bhai, Virat bhai and Ashwin bhai… they have given us a blueprint on how to tour away from home and win matches and series,” Gill said in a BCCI video. “Yes, it’s one thing to be able to deliver and execute, but because we have that blueprint, we know how to tour away from home and win matches and series.”

Reflecting on Rohit and Kohli’s leadership, Gill noted their contrasting styles but shared goals. “Both were very contrasting in terms of their style, but it was very inspiring to see them working towards a common goal,” he said. “Virat bhai was always very aggressive, always wanting to lead from the front with hunger and passion, whereas Rohit bhai was also aggressive. You might not see that in his reaction or expression, but he was always very attacking on the field. Rohit bhai was someone who was very calm and tactically always very present, and he was very communicative to the players, what he wants from the players, and so these are the qualities that I learnt from.”

Gill added he plans to separate his batting and captaincy responsibilities. “If I am a batsman and batting out there, I want to be able to make decisions as a batsman and not as a captain,” he said. “Definitely being captain is a bit overwhelming.”

Published on May 25, 2025