"Shubman Gill has done well in ODIs"- Dinesh Karthik's no-nonsense reaction to Test appointment

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has made it clear that Shubman Gill is stepping into a role that won’t be easy at all, as he made a bold statement on what lies ahead for India's new Test captain.

Karthik said that Shubman Gill is not just taking up the Test captaincy, but he is about to face one of the hardest tests in his career.

Gill has been given the big responsibility of leading the national team in Test cricket when Indian cricket is entering a transitional phase, and his first big challenge is the upcoming tour of England.

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Dinesh Karthik drops a bombshell on the challenges awaiting Shubman Gill

It’s a place where the ball moves a lot, the conditions change quickly, and even experienced batters struggle to survive, Gill will have a double job at hand, so it won’t be easy at all.

Karthik said that the right-handed batter will be under immense pressure in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting on June 20 in Headingley.

The RCB mentor and batting coach has pointed out that England is not a place where players just walk in and win, but it tests their patience, technique, and mental strength.

Dinesh Karthik said on ICC: “The one that's going to handle a lot of pressure in the years to come has done well in the ODI format in test cricket. He's had his challenges, but today he's been given the biggest challenge, which is to lead Team India in one of the toughest venues (England)”.

Leading India in England will not be easy at all: Dinesh Karthik

For Gill, the test is double, as he will have to handle the weight of captaincy, setting smart fields, making good bowling changes, keeping the team’s energy high, and bringing out the best in a team full of fresh faces, according to the former Indian cricketer. Karthik said it would be an uphill task for Gill.

He further explained, “It's not going to be easy. But at the moment they've chosen Shubman Gill to be the one because of what he can do for India; if he does well, it’s wonderful. It's going to be interesting to see where he bats. It is going to be an uphill task.”

Read Also: 'When Virat Kohli got out...': Jitesh Sharma credits Dinesh Karthik for his heroics vs LSG

Dinesh Karthik says Shubman Gill will have to deliver his best on England tour

Karthik further noted, “It's a very young team. It's not an easy place to tour even with an experienced team because of the challenges you face as a batting unit. Shubman Gill will know that he has a lot to do with the bat. But more importantly, marshal a group of young players and try and get the best result that Team India could want.”

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Notably, Gill is currently leading Gujarat Titans in the ongoing IPL 2025, where they have already qualified for the playoffs. Qualifier 1 will be played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBSK) on May 29 in Chandigarh.

On the other hand, Gujarat Titans will face Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator on May 30 in Chandigarh. The final of the IPL 2025 is scheduled for June 3 in Ahmedabad.

Read Also: Watch: Virat Kohli Abuses Digvesh Rathi As He Mankads Jitesh Sharma Before Rishabh Pant Withdraws Appeal