Kapil Dev Supports Gill’s Test Captaincy, Urges Caution in England: ‘It won’t be easy’

Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev has expressed his support for India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill. At the same time, he also cautioned the young skipper about the English conditions.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the 18-member squad for the England tour on Saturday. The selection committee appointed Shubman Gill as the new captain in the red-ball format.

‘He will emerge as a strong captain’

Many cricketers are not happy with Gill as the new captain. Virender Sehwag stated that Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant were better suited for the new leadership role. Anil Kumble said that Gill is yet to establish himself in the test format.

However, Kapil Dev believes that Gill can emerge as a successful captain with the right support. He added that Gill is up for the challenge.

“It is good the expectations are not high because the team is young. It will help Gill and his team. It is sometimes better to be underdogs. You can perform better. For me, Gill is a player ready to take on the world. With support from Bumrah, I am sure Gill will emerge as a strong captain. He will learn to shoulder responsibility; a good form with the bat should help him achieve his goal. I am happy for Gill because he looks like a solid batsman. He should remember never to relax when playing in England,” Kapil told Sportstar.

“Patience will be the key in England. Much will depend on how the bowlers perform. The plan should be simple – take wickets at critical stages and keep the opposition under pressure. The batters must show patience in the middle since the conditions can be extremely challenging. The bowlers can bounce back in every session in England. Let Gill remember that he has been chosen based on his talent. I want him to enjoy his cricket. There are competent members on the team to help him move his dream forward. He has to stay positive,” he added.

Kapil Dev Issues Warning

Kapil Dev also warned the Indian test team, stating that the tour will not be easy.

“It is always tough to play in England because of the exacting conditions. Also, the home team can throw up new challenges in conditions they are better placed to exploit, but this Indian team, with a new captain, raises hopes of a new era to look forward to,” Kapil stated.

“It won’t be easy. It is never easy in England and Australia, but someone must take responsibility. Gill is the man suited to assume the role of a leader. The selectors have weighed all the strong points and made him the captain with a purpose, a long-term investment. He will need the support of the team and the fans. He is young and will learn to give his best and bring the best out of the boys,” he concluded.

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