As India gear up for the five-match Test series against England starting Friday at Headingley, former India head coach Gary Kirsten has thrown his weight behind new Test captain Shubman Gill, predicting a bright future for the 25-year-old in his first full leadership assignment.Kirsten, who closely worked with Gill at Gujarat Titans in the IPL, described the young batter as a “smart cricketer” and a “nice human being,” two qualities he believes are essential for a successful leader.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“I think Shubman is going to be a great leader. He’s got a good brain for the game and understands it well,” Kirsten told JioHotstar. “When you’re in a leadership role, you’re constantly under pressure and scrutiny. But he has all the raw materials to become a really good leader.”
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Gill, who has played 32 Tests and averages a shade over 30, is stepping into a high-pressure role previously held by stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Yet, Kirsten believes his dedication and character make him ready for the challenge.“The one thing I like about Shubman is that he walks the talk. He’s very organised, very diligent in training, and that sets a great example,” he said. “He’s primed to take the international stage by storm.”
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also echoed Kirsten’s sentiments, while cautioning that Gill has big shoes to fill.“There’s a small sample size of his Test experience in England. But he has the qualities to succeed and grow into the role,” Hayden remarked.
