June 8, 2025
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Shubman Gill shows first sign of bold captaincy in addressing Kohli, Rohit's Test exit: 'No different pressure'

Shubman Gill shows first sign of bold captaincy in addressing Kohli, Rohit’s Test exit: ‘No different pressure’

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Jun 05, 2025 11:06 PM IST Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket last month While the world will still have to wait for another fortnight to get a true glimpse of Shubman Gill’s captaincy in Test cricket, with the India star set to become the youngest leader of the team in this century, come the Test series against England, the 25-year-old gave the first sign of his bold leadership when he addressed the sudden retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma before the tour. Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill addresses a pre-departure presser at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters in Mumbai on June 5, 2025, ahead of India’s tour of England for Test series(AFP) Less than a month before the Indian team’s departure for the tour of England, Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket via Instagram. Just five days later, Kohli did the same. The back-to-back announcements left an air of uncertainty around the strength of the Indian team, especially before the crucial series against England. However, Gill boldly dismissed questions about any pressure on the young Indian team in the absence of the two stalwarts, saying it was just like any tough situation they had faced before. “Pressure is always there in every tour. Definitely, two very experienced players who played for such a long time and won so many times, very difficult to fill their space. But it is not a different kind of pressure, all of us players are used to it,” he said in the pre-tour presser on Wednesday. India will have experienced players in KL Rahul, returning Karun Nair, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and of course, Jasprit Bumrah. Gill also opened up about the kind of captain he wanted to be, saying that he wanted to make players feel secure during his tenure through communication. “No particular style that I want to follow. I like communication with the players, making them feel secure. Making a bond with the players is very important for me as a captain. It is only when players are secure that they will give you their 100 percent,” he said. The England series will begin on June 20 at the Headingley. News / Cricket News / Shubman Gill shows first sign of bold captaincy in addressing Kohli, Rohit’s Test exit: ‘No different pressure’ See Less

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IND vs ENG: Will Jasprit Bumrah play all five Tests? Gautam Gambhir drops major hint ahead of England tour | Cricket News

IND vs ENG: Will Jasprit Bumrah play all five Tests? Gautam Gambhir drops major hint ahead of England tour | Cricket News

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Gautam Gambhir (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: How many matches will Jasprit Bumrah play in the India vs England Test series? Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Thursday provided a key update on Bumrah’s availability ahead of the much-anticipated five-match Test series in England, which begins on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds.“We haven’t taken the call on which 3 games he will play. We will have a discussion with him and depending on the series and results and how the series is heading. I am sure he is very well aware of as well,” Gambhir said.“It is difficult to replace someone like Bumrah but we have enough quality. Like I said in the Champions Trophy, it gives an opportunity to another player to put their hands up,” he added.India enter the series under the leadership of new Test captain Shubman Gill, who has taken over the reins following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from red-ball cricket.The England tour marks the beginning of India’s campaign in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. The five-Test series will be played at historic venues — Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval — between June and August. ‘A particularly special feeling’: Andy Flower hails Virat Kohli, RCB after historic title win This series not only marks a major overseas assignment but also the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket. As Shubman Gill embarks on his captaincy journey, he carries the legacy of past greats, along with the expectations and hopes of a promising future.India Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep YadavEngland Squad: Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris WoakesTest series schedule:1st Test: June 20–24, 2025 – Headingley, Leeds2nd Test: July 2–6, 2025 – Edgbaston, Birmingham3rd Test: July 10–14, 2025 – Lord’s, London4th Test: July 23–27, 2025 – Old Trafford, Manchester5th Test: July 31–August 4, 2025 – The Oval, London

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India vs England: Gautam Gambhir drops massive playing XI hint, backs experienced batter in English conditions | Cricket News

India vs England: Gautam Gambhir drops massive playing XI hint, backs experienced batter in English conditions | Cricket News

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Indian cricket test team captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has dropped a significant hint about the playing XI for the upcoming England Test series, voicing strong support for experienced batter Karun Nair. “When someone has scored heaps of runs, we won’t judge them by 1-2 tests. If someone has scored heaps of runs, we have to give him opportunities,” Gambhir said during a press conference attended by the head coach and Team India’s test skipper Shubman Gill on Thursday. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Karun Nair’s experience and form will come in handy in England.”Nair’s Test journey has been a rollercoaster. After a dazzling 303 not out against England in 2016, he found himself out of favour within months. A disappointing series against Australia and being benched during the 2018 England tour stalled his rise. But Nair never gave up.His comeback was forged through persistence. A prolific 2023 stint in county cricket, followed by a dominant 2024-25 domestic season, including 863 Ranji Trophy runs, showcased a batter reborn. Shubman Gill returns to the city where it all started for him as a youngster His recent double century for India A against England Lions further strengthened his claim.Mentally stronger, technically refined, and hungry for redemption, Nair has done more than just knock; he’s broken the door down. With Gambhir now backing him publicly, a place in the playing XI at Headingley on June 20 looks increasingly likely.India Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep YadavEngland Squad: Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris WoakesTest Series Schedule: 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London

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'Cannot lose 11 people': Gautam Gambhir makes a strong statement on Bengaluru stampede, RCB celebrations | Cricket News

‘Cannot lose 11 people’: Gautam Gambhir makes a strong statement on Bengaluru stampede, RCB celebrations | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir made a strong statement on the tragic stampede in Bengaluru that occurred during RCB’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations. The incident resulted in the loss of several lives and left many others injured. Gambhir, along with newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill, addressed the media in Mumbai ahead of the team’s departure for England for a five-match Test series.“I was never a believer of road shows. I had the same statement to make even after winning in 2007, we should never have roadshows. Maybe in the future we can do something in a stadium. My heart goes to the families of those who lost their lives,” Gambhir said.“All I can say is, we need to be responsible. Every life matters. If we are not ready to hold a road show, we should not do that. You cannot at any point of time lose 11 people,” he added.Shubman Gill was named the new captain of the Indian Test team, a decision officially announced by the BCCI during the squad unveiling for the upcoming England tour, set to begin on June 20. RCB Victory Parade: At least 8 Dead, Several Injured In Stampede Outside Bengaluru Stadium India’s tour of England also marks the start of their ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign, with the five-Test series scheduled at iconic venues: Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.This series represents more than just another overseas assignment—it signals the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket. As Gill takes charge, he not only inherits the legacy left behind by stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin but also carries the promise of a fresh chapter for the team. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy India Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep YadavEngland Squad: Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris WoakesTest series schedule:1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London

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Gautam Gambhir breaks silence on 11 deaths in Bengaluru during RCB's IPL celebration: 'I've never believed in roadshows'

Gautam Gambhir breaks silence on 11 deaths in Bengaluru during RCB’s IPL celebration: ‘I’ve never believed in roadshows’

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Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the tragedy of Wednesday in Bengaluru, where a stampede led to the loss of 11 lives and injured multiple individuals outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Gambhir was blunt in his assessment, saying that he is not a fan of roadshows, urging the authority to be a lot more responsible. The former India batter mentioned that no matter how big the occasion is, such over-the-top celebrations should be curbed to ensure the safety of people. Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill (L) and head coach Gautam Gambhir address a pre-departure presser(AFP) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who won their maiden IPL trophy by beating Punjab Kings in the final, were in for a festive day, with felicitations and a packed Chinnaswamy Stadium ready to welcome and cherish their feat. But the tragedy that unfolded left players, authorities and the franchise shocked. The police lost control of the sea of humanity outside the stadium, eventually leading to multiple deaths. Gambhir stressed that there is nothing more important than the lives of people, and if that is put in jeopardy, some serious soul-searching is required.  “I was never a believer that we need to have roadshows. Even when I was playing, I had the same statement to make. After winning in 2007 [T20 World Cup], I felt that we should not have roadshows. The lives of the people are far more important, and I will continue to say that. Even in future, I think we can be a little bit aware and not hold these roadshows,” Gambhir said ahead of the Indian team’s departure for England in Mumbai on Thursday. Also Read: ‘Can’t believe Virat Kohli knew people were dying outside and…’; RCB’s ‘over-the-top’ hype blamed for Bengaluru stampede “Have it under closed doors, or a low-profile affair inside a stadium. But it is very tragic what happened yesterday, and my heart goes out to the families of people who lost their loved ones. I hope that in future, nothing like this happens because we are all responsible citizens.” ‘Might as well cancel these roadshows’, says Gautam Gambhir As Gambhir pointed out, he has been part of two open-bus victory parades during his career: once with the Indian team in Mumbai, after they won the 2007 T20 World Cup, and once with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012. However, things in Mumbai were managed so spotlessly that not a single disturbing piece of news came of it. In fact, just last year, after winning the T20 World Cup in the West Indies, the players were part of another road show, again conducted seamlessly in the same city.  RCB have copped plenty of flak for continuing with the celebrations inside the stadium even as people died outside, with the franchise getting named in an FIR that was launched earlier in the day. Gambhir reiterated his point that if the infrastructure is not ready to handle an event of such magnitude, pulling off the plug is the best option. “It does not matter how big or small the fanbase is. It does not matter who I hold responsible. Like I said, even when I was playing, I wasn’t a believer in such road shows. I stand by it today and in future too. Yes, winning is important, and celebrations are important, but more important are the lives of people. So, if you are not ready or suited to handle that kind of crowd, then you might as well cancel these roadshows,” the head coach further added.

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India tour of England: Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir speaks on Shreyas Iyer omission, says 'anyone can be called if ... ' | Cricket News

India tour of England: Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir speaks on Shreyas Iyer omission, says ‘anyone can be called if … ‘ | Cricket News

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Shreyas Iyer of India (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: India’s red-ball setup has officially entered a new era. Shubman Gill will lead the team in the upcoming five-Test series in England, with Rishabh Pant named as vice-captain. The squad selection signals a strong shift towards youth and performance-based picks. Karun Nair’s return after eight years stands out, rewarding domestic resilience after being dropped despite a historic triple century in 2017.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Addressing the tough decisions, India head coach Gautam Gambhir, when asked about Shreyas Iyer’s omission from the India squad, emphasized meritocracy. “Anyone can be called if they are in good form. We can only pick 18. But I believe it’s always about being open to people who are in good form and can deliver,” Gambhir said at Thursday’s press conference.Following the revelation of the squad for the England Tests, the most discussed omission has been Shreyas Iyer, especially after his stellar IPL season where he led Punjab Kings to the final. Virat Kohli’s love for ‘dhaba’ food, priority for family & more | RCB bus driver shares stories India Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep YadavEngland Squad: Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris WoakesTest Series Schedule: 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London

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Jofra Archer could return for second Test against India: England national selector Wright

Jofra Archer could return for second Test against India: England national selector Wright

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England’s star pacer Jofra Archer could return for the team’s second Test against India next month. File | Photo Credit: Reuters England’s national selector Luke Wright on Thursday (June 5, 2025) said star pacer Jofra Archer could return for the team’s second Test against India next month, four years after his last appearance in the traditional format. The second Test of the five-match series is scheduled to be held from July 2-6 at Edgbaston. Archer, 30, has not played first-class cricket since 2021 due to a series of injuries, and was not considered for selection for the first Test at Headingley as he works his way back from a broken thumb suffered at the recently-concluded Indian Premier League. “Joff’s trucking on really well, actually. The plans for him, he’s playing a few second-team games,” Wright said. “The plan is for him to play a few second team games, loading up in the second team for Sussex. And then the idea for him is to play for Sussex against Durham during the first Test. “So, he’ll play for Sussex if all things go well, and then if all things go well fingers crossed he should be available for the second Test,” Wright, a former teammate of Archer at Sussex, added. “Like anything with all these bowlers, he’s got to keep ticking things off everyday with no setbacks but if all goes well and he gets through that Durham game then he’s available potentially for selection for that second Test.” The thumb injury also saw him miss England’s ODI series against the West Indies between May 29 and June 3. India will play the first Test at Headingley (from June 20), the second at Edgbaston (from July 2), the third at Lord’s (from July 10), the fourth at Old Trafford (from July 23), and the final at The Oval (from July 31). England’s fast-bowling department looks thin on firepower and experience in the absence of Archer and speed merchant Mark Wood. Wood has been missing cricketing action due to a knee injury he suffered in March, which had ruled him out for four months. However, according to Wright, Wood could be in contention for the latter half of the India series. “I think Woody’s now started bowling just lightly, to be honest. He’s just off a few paces, but that’s been a great sign,” Wright said. “So, he’s on the road to recovery. I think he’s more long-term, if we can get him back, he might have an option for the fourth or fifth Test. But again, each day it’s ticking off each box and making sure he’s okay,” said the former England batter. Published – June 05, 2025 07:34 pm IST

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England Women vs West Indies Women, ENG-W vs WI-W 2025, Today Match Prediction

England Women vs West Indies Women, ENG-W vs WI-W 2025, Today Match Prediction

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𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 : ​​​​England Women vs West Indies Women​𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 : June 07,Saturday𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 : 15:30 PM IST​​​𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐄 :​ The Cooper Associates County Ground, United Kingdom, United Kingdom​𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 : 3rd ODI 2025​ Host England women eye ODI series whitewash against West Indies women England Women vs West Indies Women TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Hotstar Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the FAFA191 Cricket Exchange India and website. ENGW vs WIW Match Prediction & Analysis Host England women will be keen to complete a clean sweep in one-day series when they take on West Indies women in the third and final game at The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton on Saturday. In the 2nd ODI, England women registered a comprehensive win over West Indies women, courtesy match-winning performances from Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones. With this result, England women have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. On the other hand, West Indies women will be looking to salvage some pride in this dead rubber. Captain Shemaine Campbelle will be hoping that the side can put on a strong show against England women in this series finale. TEAMS PREVIEW England Women Preview In the batting department, the side will be relying on opener Tammy Beaumont, wicket-keeper Amy Jones, Emma Lamb, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Dunkley and Alice Capsey to deliver the bulk of the runs. In the previous match, wicket-keeper Amy Jones was the star of the show with the bat for England women and finished the innings with the top-score of 129 runs off 98 balls with the help of twenty fours. She was well supported by veteran opener Tammy Beaumont, who also smashed splendid century with the help of twelve fours and one six. Besides Beaumont and Jones, Emma Lamb smashed a half-century to help England women post a mammoth 366 runs in their allotted 50 overs. In the bowling department, the side will be depending on the likes of Lauren Bell, Kate Cross, Lauren Filer, Alice Davidson Richards, Alice Capsey and Linsey Smith to deliver crucial breakthroughs. In the previous match, Alice Capsey was the pick of the bowlers for England women and claimed 3 for 41 in 8.4 overs.Besides Capsey, Linsey Smith and Lauren Filer bowled well and claimed two wickets apiece. West Indies Women Preview In the batting department, the side will be depending on the likes of Realeanna Grimmond, Zaida James, Shemaine Campbelle, Stafanie Taylor and Jannillea Glasgow to deliver the bulk of the runs. In the previous match, opener Realeanna Grimmond showed decent form for West Indies and smashed 53 runs off 72 balls with the help of four fours and two sixes. Besides Grimmond, Jannillea Glasgow scored a brisk 44 off 24 balls with the help of nine fours. In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Cherry Ann Fraser, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Jahzara Claxton, and Aaliyah Alleyne to deliver timely breakthroughs. In the previous match, Karishma Ramharack and Aaliyah Alleyne bowled well for West Indies women and claimed two wickets apiece. Weather Conditions The average first inning score at Taunton for WODI is around 220 runs. The highest total posted at the venue was England women, who scored a mammoth 366 runs against Pakistan in a game played in 2016. The weather forecast for the game is going to gusty winds with light rain showers during the first half of the match ENGW vs WIW Pitch Report The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton will host the third and final WODI game of the series between England women and West Indies women. Toss: To Bowl The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton has been great venue for chasing sides. Since 2017, seven matches out of ten played at Taunton have been won by side batting second.

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Shubman Gill's 'Sehwag-like game' a chink in the armour as Ponting warns of fresh 'challenge': He needs to bat at...

Shubman Gill’s ‘Sehwag-like game’ a chink in the armour as Ponting warns of fresh ‘challenge’: He needs to bat at…

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Despite comparing India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill, to the legendary Virender Sehwag, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting outlined that a similar approach is likely to meet a fresh challenge in the upcoming tour of England, and hence has work to do on his Test match batting. The Aussie great also called for a change in his batting position, considering the added responsibility of captaincy. Shubman Gill will be leading India in the England Test series(AFP) Speaking to PTI, Ponting addressed Gill’s much-criticised defensive technique, which has cost the youngster multiple times in his short career thus far. And although he sees no technical flaw in his approach, he reckoned Gill has to work on the mental side of Test match batting. “It’s a bit both. There are some of the great Test players that haven’t had great defensive games, and (Virender) Sehwag is probably a great example of that. But if you’re in control of your stroke-play, you don’t have to worry too much about your defence. I mean, obviously it’s (defence) a big part of Test match cricket, but I think it’s more his mental application,” he explained. “(But) I think sometimes you might just get a little bit either ahead of himself or a little bit lazy in the middle of a test match innings. You can’t afford to do that. You’ve got to be 100 per cent committed to every ball that you face through six or seven hours of every day…I think that’s the challenge for Shubman.” Gill to replace Virat Kohli at No. 4? The biggest question since Kohli’s departure from Test cricket last month was who would replace the former India captain at No. 4 in the line-up. Ponting backed Gill for the role, at least for the initial phase of his leadership tenure, which will begin on June 20 in Leeds with the five-match Test series against the Ben Stokes-led side. “…the reason I did that was if they go with (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, and if Sai Sudarshan is the other opener, they need someone a bit more experienced at number three. So that could be either, KL at three, or that could be a Karun Nair at three and Shubman at four. “…once you grow into it, then you can move yourself back up to that number three spot,” said one of the finest batters of his generation.

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