Pujara Says Gill Faces Tough Challenge as Test Captain in England, Calls It a Big Opportunity

New Delhi, May 25, 2025 — Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has said that it will be a significant challenge for newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill to lead the Indian team in English conditions, but also a major opportunity for the youngster to cement his leadership credentials.

Speaking on Sunday, a day after Gill was named India’s new red-ball captain following the surprise retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Pujara remarked that captaincy in England would test Gill’s tactical acumen and mental resilience. “It will be a challenge for a youngster like Shubman to captain in England,” Pujara said. “But if he succeeds, it will be a huge confidence booster and a defining moment in his career.”

A New Chapter in Indian Test Cricket

The Indian Test team is entering a transitional phase, with Gill taking over the reins after the shock exits of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the longest format earlier this month. Their retirements, announced within days of each other, mark the end of a golden era for Indian Test cricket.

Gill, 25, has been seen as a future leader in Indian cricket and now has the responsibility of steering a relatively young Test side through the high-pressure English tour.

Pujara Reflects on His Own Journey

Pujara, 37, who has been out of the national side since India’s loss in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023, said he still harbors hopes of returning to the Indian Test team but holds no regrets.

“I still dream of playing for India in Tests, but I have made peace with where my career stands,” said the experienced batter, who has played 103 Tests and scored over 7,000 runs. Known for his gritty and patient batting style, Pujara played a crucial role in many of India’s historic overseas Test wins.

England Tour: A Litmus Test for Gill

India’s upcoming Test tour of England is widely regarded as one of the most challenging assignments in world cricket, particularly for subcontinental teams. The series will be a true test of Shubman Gill’s leadership skills, both on and off the field.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s comments underscore the importance of this moment — not just for Gill, but for Indian cricket as it navigates a generational shift in its red-ball setup.