Every child holding a bat or a ball dreams of playing for India someday. For some, cricket is a sport to catch up with their friends from the colony, and for others, it becomes a lifelong passion. When Shubman Gill was announced as the Test captain to lead India after Rohit Sharma’s departure, one of the first reactions on social media was skepticism. It was a difficult test, after all. Being appointed as the captain of the red ball format ahead of a difficult England tour that includes as many as five Tests, is no walk in the park—Gill, 25, is the fifth youngest captain in India’s Test history. Leading up to the Headingley Test between England and India, starting on Friday, June 20, most skepticism among some cricket fans has largely dissipated. They now believe that Gill will prove his mettle and lead India forward. Hours ahead of the ultimate Test, supporters queued up to say a few kind words to India’s young, all-white captain. “From the soils of Punjab to the summit of Indian cricket — Shubman Gill, the son of Punjab Cricket Association, now leads the nation as Test Captain. The journey was never luck — it was destiny. You are the chosen one. And tomorrow, a new legacy begins. All of Punjab stands behind you. Now show the world why you wear that crown,” a fan wrote while sharing a photo of Gill from his younger days. From the soils of Punjab to the summit of Indian cricket — Shubman Gill, the son of Punjab Cricket Association, now leads the nation as Test Captain.The journey was never luck — it was destiny.You are the chosen one. And tomorrow, a new legacy begins.All of Punjab stands… pic.twitter.com/ZQJLPUTAUG — Punjab Cricket Association (@pcacricket) June 19, 2025 When quizzed about what was more magnificent to him — winning a five-Test series in England or IPL — Gill had a simple response. “Definitely the Test series in my opinion. You know, you don’t get many opportunities as a captain to be able to come to England. Maybe two, if you are the best of your generation, maybe three,” Gill said in a press conference. “IPL comes every year and you get to go have a crack at it every year. So in my opinion, winning a Test series in England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa are bigger, (sic)” he added. Gary Kirsten Former India coach Gary Kirsten, who mentored the Indian Premier League franchise Gujarat Titans led by Gill, has backed the young captain for his new role. “I think Shubman is going to be a great leader. He’s a smart cricketer, he’s got a good brain for the game and understands his game. He’s very talented and a nice human being, which I think is important,” Kirsten said while speaking on JioHotstar. “The one thing I like about Shubman is that he walks the talk. He’s very organised, very diligent with his training and preparation and that sets a great example for other players,” Kirsten said. Kirsten added that when a leader is chosen, they are bound to go through a cycle of pressure and scrutiny. Also Read: Shubman Gill Right Man To Take India Forward? Sachin Tendulkar Gives His Opinion Sachin Tendulkar When Sachin Tendulkar was asked about Gill’s appointment as the leader of the Test team, the cricket great asserted that he had faith in the youngster and that he was a good student of the game. “Shubman is a talented player and very, very eager to go out and compete hard and bring laurels to the nation. I have faith in him. Whatever I have seen, I have interacted a bit with him. He is a good student of the game, and whatever I have seen him in IPL T20 leading Gujarat (Titans), he has been impressive,” Tendulkar told former England cricketer Michael Atherton during an interview with Sky Sports. Also Read: Rahul Reveals Calling Gill After Captaincy Announcement: ‘You Will Always…’ KL Rahul, aged 33, was reportedly not considered for India’s Test captaincy due to his age, but he is more than happy to support Gill and provide guidance whenever needed. “I reached out to Shubman the minute the team was announced, and when he was announced (as) the captain,” ,” Rahul told Sony Sports Network. “(I told him) You will always find me around, any help, any guidance, if you need someone to share something with or talk to, I’m always there.