“It’s A Good Thing”: Shubman Gill On India’s All-Rounder Problem

Indian captain Shubman Gill expressed confidence in his team’s all-rounders ahead of the South Africa Test series.

India will face World Test Champions South Africa in a two-match Test series starting November 14 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. Captain Shubman Gill praised his team’s strong pool of all-rounders ahead of the crucial home series.

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Selection Dilemma a “Good Problem”

Gill highlighted the quality of India’s all-round options, mentioning Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel specifically. He acknowledged the difficulty in selecting the final playing eleven.

“We’re really fortunate to have the kind of quality all-rounders we do,” the skipper said. “All of them have strong batting and bowling records, especially in Indian conditions. As a captain, it’s always difficult to decide who to leave out, but that’s a good problem to have. It makes for an exciting Test match ahead.”

The young captain recognized South Africa’s strength as reigning World Test Champions. “South Africa played really well in their last series; they managed to draw it, and that’s why they are the reigning champions. It’s going to be a good, competitive series,” Gill said.

Speaking about his personal preparation, Gill explained his approach to balancing batting and captaincy. “In terms of my own preparation, I focus mainly on how I can succeed as a batter. Once I’m out there in the middle, I like to back my instincts, that’s when I make my best tactical decisions,” he said. “I consciously try to think like a batter and not as a captain when I’m on strike.”

India will miss experienced pacer Mohammed Shami for the series. Gill addressed this challenge while expressing confidence in other bowling options. “There aren’t many bowlers of Shami bhai’s quality. But when you look at the performances of others, guys like Akash Deep and Prasidh, and also what Siraj and Bumrah have done for us, it becomes a tough call,” he said.

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“It’s never easy when someone like Shami bhai has to miss out, but at the same time, we have to plan ahead,” the Indian Test skipper added. “As for fitness and selection matters, the selectors would be in a better position to give a clear answer on that.”