The five-match Test series between India and England starting on June 20 is now two days away, and before that, a big statement has come out about Team India's new Test captain, Shubman Gill. Former England cricketer Nick Knight has warned that the England team will target him in the upcoming series. This will be Gill's first Test series as captain, and he will have a big responsibility of batting as well as leadership.
England's focus will be on Gill, says Nick Knight
Nick Knight believes that the England team will deliberately try to put Gill under pressure because if the captain feels uncomfortable or is not in form, it affects the entire team.
Nick said,
"Every team knows that if the captain is under pressure, then the atmosphere of the whole dressing room changes." And England will do it. They will target Shubman Gill and try to get him out early so that the balance of the team is disturbed.”
Technical flaw in Gill's batting—Nick
Nick Knight also spoke on Gill's technique. He said that when Gill is not in form, his front leg goes out more, which makes it difficult to play the ball well. Especially when the left-handed bowler swings in from outside the off-stump, then Gill can be in trouble.
"During the IPL, I had noticed that when looking for form, Shubman's front leg comes out more, which disturbs his balance. But this thing has been seen a little less in recent matches. The challenge of swing and seam is more in England, so Gill will have to be cautious on the line outside the off stump.”
Gill's performance in IPL 2025 was spectacular
Although questions are being raised about Gill's recent form in Test cricket, he performed brilliantly as captain for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. He played important innings in many matches and led the team to the playoffs. However, his team's journey ended there after losing to Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator.
Now it will be interesting to see how Gill performs as captain in the Test format. They will have a big challenge in front of them on England's fast and swinging pitches. Consistency in batting and understanding of captaincy—both things will give this young player a chance to prove himself. Shubman Gill's performance in this series will be keenly watched, and this will also be part of England's strategy.