"If Shubman Gill can"- India captain thrown GIANT challenge by Indian selector for England tour

Former Indian selector Saba Karim believed that the batting performance of newly appointed skipper Shubman Gill would be a key to his captaincy stint in England.

The Indian Test team is in the rebuilding phase after three of their most experienced players announced their retirement from the format, named Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Rohit Sharma.

Read also: Not Shubman Gill! Monty Panesar claims Karun Nair holds key to India’s success on England tour

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Saba Karim on Shubman Gill’s leadership success

Saba Karim pointed out that if Shubman Gill had a great outing with the bat in the England conditions, then his captaincy would also thrive. Gill has a big opportunity as a player, and his first captaincy test will begin in one of the hardest tours, England.

India have embarked on a new era in Test cricket, and the management handed Gill a new responsibility in the red-ball format. Many experts are trolling Shubman Gill because of his lack of experience, but a former selector sees this as Gill’s examination, and Gill is ready for it.

“This is an examination for him. I am sure he’s ready and up for it," Karim told PTI Videos at the FIT India: Sunday on Cycle event.

“This is a big opportunity for him as a player. He needs to perform with the bat there, and if he can do so, his captaincy will also thrive," Karim added.

Saba Karim backs the young Indian side

Saba Karim also highlighted the balance in the current Indian squad as they have some experienced players and young players at the same time. The England tour will be competitive, and Indian players have experience in performing on big stages.

Many young players have experience of playing in English conditions as they played in county cricket. The batter's role in the England tour will be bigger than the bowling unit.

India's young squad will look to prove themselves in the England tour and start the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle on a positive note.

Saba Karim praises Karun Nair

Karun Nair returned to the national side after eight years and showed his class in the comeback match as he smashed a double-century in the first Test match between India A and England Lions.

“Karun played well and now has experience. Sai has grown in stature as an all-format cricketer. He is gaining experience, and I am excited to see how this combination performs in England." Karim stated.

The bowling unit will miss the service of Mohammed Shamoi, who has not been picked in the squad due to fitness concerns.

Karim believed that Arshdeep Singh’s county experience would help him in the England tour, and the selectors picked the right guy in place of Shami, Saba Karim claimed.