IND vs ENG- Indian Test Captain Shubman Gill Receives Strong Backing: 'The Advantage That He Has...'

Shubman Gill will be the centre of attraction for the next few weeks. India's new Test captain has assumed charge from the Headingley Test against England, which also marks the start of the new World Test Championship for both teams.

Shubman Gill Backed To Succeed As Indian Test Captain

This is the first time Gill is leading the Indian team as a full-fledged captain and he will be carrying the burden of hopes on his shoulders. India failed to secure a place in the WTC final last cycle and losses against New Zealand and Australia further put questions on India's Test credentials. Gill will have the task of bringing back the belief and Sanjay Manjrekar feels Gill will feel no pressure. The former Indian cricketer believes the selectors handpicked Gill for the responsibility and will give him a longer rope.

In an interaction with ESPN Cricinfo, he said, “The advantage that Shubman Gill has is that they have nothing to lose. The big names have gone, Jasprit Bumrah is not the captain, it's almost like he had to do the job. So he's not going to feel the pressure. Because the selectors have made such a big call, they'll back him and be supportive."

Also Read: ENG vs IND, 1st Test, Day 1 LIVE Updates

Karun Nair Returns To Playing XI After Long Eight Years

Both Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan have been named in the playing XI and the latter will be making his debut in Test cricket. On the back of a brilliant domestic campaign for Vidarbha, Nair earned a call-up after seven years and is destined to make his presence felt at Headingley. India went with three frontline pacers and Arshdeep Singh will have to wait for his opportunity as it stands. Shardul Thakur has got the nod over Nitish Kumar Reddy and the bowling all-rounder will be eager to stamp his authority with both bat and ball.

Also Read: ENG vs IND- 'Cricket, Please Give Me Another Chance': Karun Nair Seizes Moment, Returns To International Cricket After 3004 Days