Shubman Gill, the newly appointed Test captain, is ready to lead the team, according to Kuldeep Yadav. Gill has started his stint with a fifty in the warm-up match against India A.
He has also got into his stride with his leadership having a good interaction with his teammates where he has spoken about playing with intent and keeping the team's interest ahead of everything else.
With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from the Test format, Kuldeep Yadav is very confident of Gill's abilities as captain and he feels that he is ready to lead the team in England.
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Shubman Ready To Lead The Team - Kuldeep Yadav
Speaking at a press conference, Kuldeep Yadav said that Gill has been mentored by the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli since the last two years both in ODIs and Tests. He further hailed the qualities of Gill saying that he is a motivated leader.
"As you have seen, Shubman knows how to lead the team. He has worked under a lot of seniors as well. From the last couple of years, he has been in a lot of discussions with Rohit [Sharma]. Not only in ODI, but also in Tests. I am sure he has learnt a lot. As a leader, he is very motivated. The way he thinks is very important. He has helped the team a lot and lifted us. In the last 3-4 sessions...I have seen the qualities of the seniors within the leadership group and I have seen those qualities in Shubman as well. He is ready to lead the team" Kuldeep said.
The chinaman bowler, however, did not undermine the importance of the absence of Kohli and Rohit in the Test series. He said that the senior players will be missed in the side, while adding that this presents a good opportunity for the youngsters in the side.
"When there are no seniors, there is always a shortage. The kind of players they are - Virat bhai and Rohit bhai, who have done so much for the team, their importance will always be there. But, it is an opportunity for the youngsters to perform well. They have a chance to settle in the team. That is very important. I am sure everyone feels the lack of them in the team but you will see that the youngsters look very excited" Kuldeep said.
Kuldeep Yadav Sheds Light On India vs India A
Kuldeep further gave an insight into the intra-squad match between India and India A which is being played behind closed doors in Beckenham. He spoke about how the players made use of this opportunity and tried giving their best.
"The top order of both teams have batted very well. I feel even the seamers have also bowled very well. Moving on to the fast bowlers, I feel that Shardul [Thakur] bowled very well in the first innings. In the second innings, the senior fast bowlers bowled well too. Overall, the performance within the squad was very good" Kuldeep concluded saying.
The Test series kicks off from June 20 with the first Test at Headingley. The Test series also starts the new WTC cycle for both teams.
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