- June 21, 2025
Any Indian cricket fan understands the significance of the number 4 jersey and the captain’s armband. Now add to that the responsibilities that come with them sitting on a 25-year-old Shubman Gill. That’s the story going into India’s five-Test series in England – and who is doubting the new captain will be a success? Only Sachin Tendulkar. Not only does Sachin believe Gill will do “something special”, but he has also confidently predicted a 3-1 win for India. Let us elaborate on why this is not just rose-tinted nostalgia, but an achievable reality.
Shut the Noise, Open the Game
Being the captain in India is like walking a tightrope, juggling fires. Sachin’s advice was to shut the door on the outside noise. And to be fair, it is good advice. As it relates to cricket in India, the outside noise can be unrelenting, the social media hot-takes to pundits questioning every little tactic.
Gill assuming Rohit Sharma’s place is not a case of merely taking the reins; it is a case of taking a generation. Be it the performances at the U-19 World Cup or his strong Test innings in Australia, Gill has a built-in ability to problem-solve when beset with an obstacle or at ease when things have less structure. Tendulkar is not placing confidence in Gill’s disposition based on blind faith, but rather based solely on who Gill has always been, just an unexposed version.
The New No. 4: A Sacred Spot with Big Shoes
Let’s not kid ourselves here: India’s No.4 in Tests is sacred. It has been either Tendulkar or Kohli for thirty years, and now it is Gill’s turn. With the blessing of Sachin.
A “4” is on the scoreboard, but with it comes enormous expectations. No. 4 is the most important position in cricket, and it is the position where games are turned. He is comfortable and relaxed here, and most importantly, he has the entire team’s confidence and a legend behind him. Tendulkar put it this way, No. 4 does not put pressure on you; it gives you the confidence of others. That should not be pressure but comfort.
Yes, English conditions are not going to make life easy. With Duke’s balls swinging, gloomy skies, and difficult pitches, Gill’s technique will be examined. But if he displays the discipline Sachin preaches (i.e., respect for the overhead conditions, disturbing the batsman’s ability to defend on the front foot, and keeping your hands close), he could be the MVP of the Test series.
Team India’s X-Factors: Bumrah, Pant & the New Era
A good leader would need good partners, and Shubman is lucky to have some. Rishabh Pant is back, and his aggressive approach might cause some raised eyebrows, but Tendulkar is clear: let him be. “Back your instincts,” thus allows for a little more thought in those moments when instinct isn’t all there is.
Then there is Jasprit Bumrah, India’s veritable executioner overseas. Sachin had the Bumrah versus Joe Root match-up as one to watch (Root is always a thorn in India’s side, but Bumrah can swing it both ways at pace and menace, giving Gill a real weapon). If India can win that battle, then perhaps they can win the series.
India may have a young lineup and not many Test matches under their belt, but as has been shown in 2007 (the last time India won a series in England), it is all about timing your moments as a team. If Bumrah can put the fire, Pant is the flair, Gill is the calm, Sachin’s prediction of 3-1 for India just may come true.
What do you think? Can Gill step out of the shadow of Legends into his own? Or will the English summer be too tough for this young brigade in blue?
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