Make players feel safe and secure: Captaincy the Shubman Gill style

The 25-year-old will look to chart his own path as he leads Indian cricket into a new era in England

- Rasesh Mandani

MUMBAI: During the 15-minute press conference on the eve of India's departure for the five-Test series in England, Shubman Gill, in his official capacity as India Test captain, showed why the selectors are backing him to win the dressing room with poise and substance.

There was none of the casual humour of Rohit Sharma or the brazenness of Virat Kohli. Instead, there was an understated calm. It is this mix of balance and potential that has earned him the job.

"My style of captaincy will be my own; it will develop with experience," Gill said on Thursday at the BCCI headquarters. "Like Rohit bhai, I want to make the players feel safe, comfort them, and build strong bonds. Players need to feel secure; only then can they give 100 percent."

Gill has had time to think of the challenges that lie ahead. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, one understands, had told him about the impending responsibility before the announcement was made.

"When I came to know about the Test captaincy, I was overwhelmed by the honour and the opportunity. It is a big responsibility, and I'm looking forward to the challenge," he said.