India Test captain Shubman Gill on Thursday said that winning a Test series in countries like England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand was a bigger achievement than winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) title. Gill is set to lead a new-look Indian side, bereft of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin, against England in a 5-match Test series, starting on Friday.
“Definitely the Test series in my opinion. You don’t get many opportunities as a captain to be able to come to England. Maybe 2; if you are the best of your generation, maybe 3. The IPL comes every year and you have a crack at it every year. So in my opinion, winning a Test series in England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are bigger,” Gill said.
Talking about leading his first series as the captain of India, Gill branded it as the biggest honour a player can get.
“It is the biggest honour that a player can get” ✨
Shubman Gill on captaining India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/BpbGK5qE0w
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 19, 2025
“It’s the biggest honour a player can get. Captaining your country, especially in a Test series is something that not many people have the opportunity. I am very excited about the opportunity.
The five-Test series starting at Headingley on Friday marks a generational shift in Indian cricket, with Gill taking over as the new red-ball captain.
Veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin are no longer part of the Test setup, having announced their retirements.
From the old guard, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul, Rishabh Pant, who is the vice-captain, remain, providing a blend of experience alongside the new leadership group.
On Wednesday, in a video shared on BCCI X, Gill had revealed what comes to mind when he thinks of playing in England.
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“Dukes ball, that’s number one. The weather which is always changing, that’s exciting and tough. And just the atmosphere of the crowd,” Gill said.
Coming to where Gill will bat, vice-captain Rishabh Pant had confirmed on Wednesday that newly appointed captain will take the No 4 option with No 3 slot yet to be decided.