India’s all-format batter Shubman Gill on Thursday said his goal is to excel across formats and guide India to ICC titles as he gears up for a demanding international calendar.
Following the ongoing Test series against the West Indies, Gill will feature in all formats — leading India in Tests and ODIs while serving as vice-captain in T20Is.
From October 15, when India embarks on its white-ball tour of Australia, until December 19, when the all-format series against South Africa concludes, Gill will endure a packed schedule of back-to-back matches and travel. He will captain India in ODIs against Australia, play five T20Is, then return home to lead in two Tests and three ODIs against South Africa, before concluding with a five-match T20I series.
“Constant cricket and personal expectations can sometimes lead to mental fatigue, but that’s the challenge — to perform across formats and succeed for India,” Gill said at a pre-match press conference ahead of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday.
The 26-year-old, who became India’s Test captain in May and was recently named ODI skipper, has been in fine form — scoring 754 runs in five Tests in England earlier this year. He also has leadership experience from captaining Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
Speaking about captaincy, Gill noted, “In Tests, the better team prevails over three to five days. In T20s, a few bad overs can completely shift momentum.”
Gill also praised his partnership with head coach Gautam Gambhir, particularly in discussions about team balance and the development of India’s fast-bowling unit.
“Our aim is to maintain intensity and standards regardless of the opposition. Playing for India itself is the biggest motivation,” he added.
