Confident India gear up for third Test at Lord's

England have played 145 out of their 555 home Tests at Lord's. It's remarkable that the aura surrounding Thomas Lord’s old cricket ground has withstood 141 years into its existence as a Test venue. Shubman Gill, after winning his first Test as India captain at Edgbaston, spoke about the “excitement and honour” he felt leading for the first time at Lord's.

- Rasesh Mandani

Gill is among half of India’s expected 11 that would not have stepped foot at the storied venue before. A walk through the Long Room where formally dressed members applaud the players and portraits of past greats adorn the wall can evoke a sense of occasion for Gill as he walks out to bat.

Most cricketers who have played at Lord's swear by the pristine green outfield, pay homage to the hallowed turf and sloping ground, soak in the history and glorify wins. There are special places to play in each sport. Lord's is that venue for Test cricket.

Gill too would have heard about the glory of Lord's from his seniors. But he is less likely to feel intimidated. Gill belongs to the modern age of Indian cricket, a trendsetting generation where many are stars even before playing an international.

Gill was barely 18 when the spotlight fell on him with India’s U19 World Cup win. A starring role in a youth World Cup win isn't a mere footnote; it often leads to a gainful IPL contract, adulation. Lifestyle interviews follow. Gill had experienced all of it before being picked for India in ODI cricket in 2019.