Transition was the fashion word as chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar spoke about the challenges that Shubman Gill will be confronted for as the newest test captain of India, but it insisted that the barester needs what is needed to enjoy the “heavy” role. Agarkar announced a team of 18 members in which Rishabh Pant will be the representative of Gill for the five-trub in Leeds from 20 June. It will be the first test assignment of the country after the retirement of Virat Kohli and the retirement of Rohit Sharma from the format.
“Whether it is a difficult experience, or we have a really good series, no matter how you look at it, it will be difficult and experience can only help to move forward,” said Agarkar in the press conference to announce the team.
“At the moment, what we are looking at … Whether it is franchise cricket, you can see that he enjoys the role. This will clearly become a lot harder. But those are the challenges that you are confronted with playing international cricket,” he added.
While both Kohli and Rohit pulled the plug in days prior to the announcement of the team, veteran -spinner RavieSran Ashwin had stopped through Australia halfway through Australia last year. Sedeler Mohammed Shami, however, was not picked because of his fitness problems.
Agarkar expressed the confidence that the 25-year-old Gill is the one who brings the Indian test side forward.
“It's a big job; it's a big transition. Two of your big players are retiring. But we are all convinced that he is the man who is moving forward and hopefully proves that on time. He is a great player and we are all very hopeful,” said Agarkar.
“It is a huge transition. Rohit (had) had been around for a while. Virat (had) existed for that. It is the start of a new cycle and the experience can only help.” Agarkar said that Gill stands for a long term, because leader and his selection committee have full confidence in his ability to take on the challenge.
“You do not choose captains for one or two tours. You want to try to invest in something that will help us get ahead. We hoped that it is the right call. We have seen some progress in the course of the past year,” he said.
“There is no doubt that it will be so difficult when it comes to (the CaptainCy task in) a series of five games in England. Maybe he will have to learn a little at work, but we are very confidence in what he has to offer and that is the reason we chose him,” he explained.
“CaptainCy can inspire him to do it better”
The old saying is that Captains are expected to lead from the front and Gill, who has had his part of success and failures in test cricket, is expected to do the same. It is on average just over 35 after 32 tests.
Agarkar said that so far he doesn't want to read much in Gill's statistics.
“Everyone will be tested in England. I don't think a Batsman will feel at home as it was in Australia. These are difficult places to tour. But we have the confidence that he has the goods,” he said.
“As far as his batting is concerned, at least there is no real issue on our part. Hopefully he can only do it better as a captain.” Agarkar said that Captainincy can be both a “burden” or a thing to view “positive”, but he expects the role to inspire Gill.
“You can see it as a burden (or), you can consider it positive that it could inspire him to do it better,” he said.
“He has been around for two or three years now in all formats, so that experience, I am sure he can fall back,” said Agarkar.
And for times when he would feel more challenged than usual, said Agarkar, Gill will always have help with hand, starting with head coach Gautam Gambhir.
“There are boys in the team. The coach is there to help him too. I am sure he will enjoy the chance. Who would not want to apply India in Test Cricket? I am sure he is looking at it positively with the chats I have had,” said Agarkar.
“And there will be busy, there is no doubt.
“Pant can help with his experience”
Jasprit Bumrah was the choice for Captainincy when Rohit was not available to lead in Australia, but for the selection panel led by AGarkar Pant was the ideal substitute for Gill as soon as it became clear that the Pacer did not play all five tests in England.
“He has been one of the best batters in test cricket for the past four years, I think. (He has played 40 tests at the moment. Always (as a) Wicketkeeper (he) can see the game well behind the stumps,” said Agarkar.
“(He) has the experience at the moment. That's why he is Shubman's deputy and can help him with all the experience he has.
“He is an incredible player. You clearly look at boys who can help the team ahead in the coming years. At the moment these two are the guys we feel who can,” he added.
(Except for the headline, this story was not edited by DailyExpertNews staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.)
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