Gill hits familiar turf after impressive England tour

The young skipper says pitches for the Test series against the West Indies will be sporting ones

- Rasesh Mandani

Shubman Gill embarks on the second leg of what he would hope shapes up to be the most glorious phase of his career. Like Virat Kohli, Gill has been handed India Test captaincy when young. Kohli went on to stamp his authority for six years, so much so that he had a say in every cricket matter — pitches, playing formation, fitness protocols.

‘And Kohli proved to be largely successful. For Gill, 26, it's early days yet, buthe passed the tough test by making a resounding start in England — 774 runs in five Tests in a 2-2 comeback draw.

In England, as a rookie Test skipper, Gill had little control over the pitches or the Dukes ball that was unpredictable, with even the domineering batting of the opposition a challenge. During the four-Test stretch at home, a two-game series against West Indies starting on Thursday, followed by two more against South Africa in November, it may be time to cash in.

Under the new skipper, India are set to make the first tactical departure from their playing template at home. The Ahmeda-bad pitch won't bea rank turner like the last two home Tests against New Zealand in Pune and Mumbai were. A red-soil pitch with a greenish tinge has been laid out for West Indies.

This decision may have become even more easier after express pacers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph were ruled out with injuries.