Aakash Chopra’s captaincy advice to Shubman Gill: ‘You can take inspiration from Virat Kohli’s success, his hunger for runs, his leadership’

Shubman Gill, the new Test captain of India, has been advised by former Indian Test cricketer Aakash Chopra to emulate Virat Kohli and lead from the front by sacrificing for the team and displaying a passion for runs. Additionally, he stated that instead of forcing himself to bat at number four in order to emulate Kohli, Gill needs to choose his own batting number. 

On JioStar, Aakash Chopra stated, "You can draw inspiration from Virat Kohli's success, his hunger for runs, and his leadership—but not necessarily his batting number." After talking about Shubman taking the number four spot going forward, he continued, "Similarly, Shubman should play where he contributes best." 

According to the cricketer-turned-commentator, Gill ought to keep opening for India. He thinks that the young player can emulate Kohli's leadership style without having to take his place on the field. He should act in the team's best interests as captain, and he may try to play another pacer in England. 

In the red-ball format, the 25-year-old has struggled to be reliable with the bat. He has amassed 1,893 runs and five hundreds at an average of 35 from 32 tests. He has not yet shown himself in Test cricket, particularly in the SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) nations, while displaying some promise at home. 

Chopra also suggested that the new Test captain of India could assemble a group of veteran players who would support him and act as his pack of wolves against the opposition. 

“Create a core by assembling four to five players to form a leadership group. Add Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. A pack of wolves should be formed. These are the men who will be with you now, six months from now, and five years from now," Chopra advised 

When Shubman Gill wears the India blazer in the opening Test match against England in Headingley on June 20, it will be his first time captaining the Indian Test team.

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