Abhishek Sharma issues 1st reaction on Shubman Gill's appointment as India Test Captain

The story of Shubman Gill’s journey to becoming India’s new Test captain is nothing short of inspiring, and no one seems prouder than his childhood friend and teammate, Abhishek Sharma.

Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma have been friends and teammates since their junior cricket days at Punjab, and the two shared the dream of representing India at the highest level.

While Gill’s journey was fast-tracked and he is already India’s ODI vice-captain and now Test captain as well, Abhishek has been making his mark in the T20I cricket but has not broken into the ODI squad. The explosive opener has so far represented India in 17 T20Is.

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I feel very proud of him: Abhishek Sharma on Shubman Gill's appointment as Test captain

With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, Gill was named the new captain, and his first assignment is the upcoming five-match Test series in England.

Rishabh Pant was named India’s new Test vice-captain by the selectors ahead of the England tour.

Read Also: Sanjiv Goenka gives parting message to Rishabh Pant after disappointing IPL 2025 season

After Gill’s promotion as India’s Test captain, Abhishek couldn’t hold back his excitement, saying it was a proud moment for him and a reminder of how far hard work can take a player.

Abhishek Sharma said in a video posted by Star Sports, X: “I think if I see his career, you know if I remember the old days when we were just starting to play for the U-14 and U-16 Punjab team. As youngsters, we all started with the red ball. From that time to now, it is a big achievement to become India’s Test captain, and I feel very proud of him.”

Shubman Gill will play his role to perfection: Abhishek Sharma

Having seen Gill dominate in all three formats of the game, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener said that he’s not just one of the best batters India has produced but also a born leader who will handle the big responsibility with confidence and perfection.

Abhishek added, “Humne junior cricket saath dekha tha… (We’ve watched and played junior cricket together.) He is one of the best players India has produced in all three formats and wo acha isko nibhayega bhi (he will play his role to perfection). I believe he will do really well for Team India and as a captain as well.”

#AbhishekSharma recalls their early days and now beams with pride as his friend @ShubmanGill becomes India’s red-ball captain. 🏏🙌

Catch his tribute to one of India’s finest talents! ✨

Watch him next on 👉 #GTvMI | FRI, 30th MAY, 6 PM on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/OXWMvLEIsu

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 28, 2025

Notably, Gill has so far played 32 matches in Test cricket, scoring 1893 runs with five centuries. However, he’s still finding his feet in overseas conditions, where he scored only 649 runs and one hundred. However, he is determined to make an impact overseas.

Read Also: Ravichandran Ashwin accuses Rishabh Pant of cheating with LSG vs RCB at Digvesh Rathi's run-out attempt

Shubman Gill to miss India A match, set to get rest ahead of England Tests

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill will miss the second India A match against England Lions, which starts on June 6 in Northampton.

India’s new Test captain was originally set to join the squad for the second unofficial Test match to get used to English conditions before the Test series; he will now be rested due to his IPL 2025 commitments with Gujarat Titans, who are in the playoffs.

With the IPL 2025 final scheduled on June 3, the BCCI and head coach Gautam Gambhir have reportedly decided not to rush Gill into red-ball cricket.

Shubman Gill will be given rest to recover from a packed season before leading India in a tough Test series in England.