India’s newly appointed captain, Shubman Gill, admitted it is not going to be easy for his team on the upcoming five-match Test tour of England. Gill said he had really enjoyed the five-match home Test series against England, and he would look to be at his best in the tough English conditions.

Gill had delivered against England as he had amassed 452 runs in five Test matches at an impressive average of 56.50 in 2024 and had played an instrumental role in India’s 4-1 series win.

However, Gill has been handed over the captaincy baton by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. 

Gill said in a video uploaded by BCCI, “My favourite series that I played was also a five-Test match series when England came to India. There’s a different essence when you are playing a five-Test series. It’s long, it’s mentally and physically very challenging. That’s the most exciting thing that I find about red-ball cricket. It’s not going to be easy, but I think we’re ready for any challenge.”

On being appointed as India’s 37th Test captain, Gill said it is a great honour and responsibility for him as the selectors have put their weight behind him.

Gill added, “It is definitely a bit overwhelming. As a young kid when anyone starts playing cricket, they want to play for India and not just play for India, play Test cricket for a very long time. To be able to get this opportunity is a great honour and it’s a big responsibility. I’m looking forward to this exciting opportunity and the upcoming series against England is going to be an exciting one. I believe in leading by example, not just by performance, but I think off the field by discipline and hard work. As a captain, a leader should be able to know when to step in and also when to give space to the players.”

Gill averages 14.67 in three Test matches on English soil, and he would look to turn the tables.