( Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail )
Shubman Gill Faces Ben Stokes Test in Debut Series as India Captain
LEEDS, UK – June 20, 2025: India’s newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill is preparing for the biggest challenge of his young career: leading India on a tough five-match Test tour of England, and going head-to-head with Ben Stokes and his dynamic, high-pressure England team.
Gill, just 25, is stepping into two of Indian cricket’s most demanding roles at once—captain of the national Test team and No. 4 batter, a position once occupied by legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
A Crucial Test for India’s New Leader
Gill carries not only the hopes of a cricket-obsessed nation but also the expectations that come with replacing iconic figures. Though highly regarded, his current Test batting average stands at 35, with performances abroad—averaging just 29 outside India—leaving room for improvement. With England’s pace attack featuring Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue, the challenge will be immediate and intense.
Ben Stokes insists he will not go out of his way to ‘purposely put pressure on a new captain’ Credit: Getty Images/Gareth Copley
Ben Stokes, known for his aggressive and unrelenting leadership style, will undoubtedly test the young captain. Under the leadership of Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, England’s “Bazball” approach has rattled even the most experienced captains. The pressure is real, but Stokes insists the goal isn’t to intentionally unsettle Gill.
From “Prince” to Potential King
Nicknamed “Prince”, Shubman Gill has never lacked confidence, and he’ll need every bit of that self-belief over the next six weeks. During his first press conference as captain, Gill called leading India in Test cricket “the biggest honour” and stressed his primary goal: to dominate as a batsman.
The Gujarat Titans star also made it clear that he considers winning a five-Test series in England a greater achievement than an IPL title—reflecting his serious intent in the red-ball format.
Public Pressure and Political Parallels
England’s Jos Buttler, who played under Gill in the IPL, recently shared insights on the immense pressure Indian cricketers face:
Gill seems ready to embrace that pressure. Calm and composed, he’s already shown glimpses of aggression on the field. He’s had run-ins with both Jonny Bairstow and James Anderson, and his fiery IPL presence has not gone unnoticed.
A New Era Under Gill and Gambhir
With Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach—known for his competitive spirit—Gill is expected to lead with both boldness and poise. Cricket legend Ricky Ponting once described Gambhir as “a prickly character,” and his presence is likely to shape an aggressive team culture.
Observers believe Gill’s captaincy style will be a blend of Kohli’s passion and Rohit Sharma’s calm. Whether that mix brings India their first Test series win in England since 2007 will unfold in the weeks ahead.
The Road Ahead
With five intense Tests on the horizon, Shubman Gill’s leadership and batting will be under the global spotlight. Facing a battle-hardened England side and the tactical brilliance of Ben Stokes, this tour could define his legacy.
