Shubman Gill Embraces Vice-Captaincy Role on the Field
Shubman Gill has opened up about his experience as India’s vice-captain in cricket, sharing that he manages to separate this responsibility from his batting performance. Since being appointed before the England series, Gill has excelled in this role, significantly boosting his own form. In his last four matches, he has scored two fifties and two centuries, including a standout performance against Bangladesh in the opening game of the Champions Trophy.
India’s coach, Gautam Gambhir, had high hopes for Gill stepping up, and the young player has certainly delivered. In a recent press conference ahead of the much-anticipated match against Pakistan, Gill confirmed that he focuses on communicating effectively with the bowlers during matches, a task given to him by captain Rohit Sharma. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the bowling strategy, especially in challenging heat conditions.
"When I’m on the field, I make it a point to speak with the bowlers. It can be tough for them in this heat, so Rohit bhai has trusted me with this responsibility when I stand at mid-on and mid-off. I want to ensure our bowling plans are executed well and try to keep the conversation going," Gill explained.
While he takes his vice-captain duties seriously, Gill noted that he aims to concentrate solely on his batting when he steps up to the crease. "When I bat, my focus is entirely on that. I aim to think like a batsman and give my best for the team," he said.
As the India-Pakistan showdown approaches, Gill mentioned that the team is not underestimating their rivals despite Pakistan’s rocky start to the tournament. He stressed the need for his teammates to remain focused and bring their best performance to the game. "This is a major match, but the true big match is the final. We’ve been playing well, and we will not treat them lightly. Staying alert and ready is key for us," Gill added.
The highly awaited match between India and Pakistan is set to take place on Sunday, February 23.
