As India gears up to face England in a highly anticipated Test series, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has offered a timely and insightful piece of advice to one of India’s brightest young stars—Shubman Gill. Known for his fearless stroke play and elegance at the crease, Gill has become a central figure in India’s Test setup. However, facing England in their own conditions is a daunting task, and Shastri, never one to mince words, delivered a message that is equal parts caution and encouragement: “Take your time, it’s not going to be easy.”
The advice comes as India prepares to tour England later this year, with the red-ball series expected to be one of the toughest challenges for the team. English conditions, characterized by seaming pitches, swinging Dukes balls, and overcast skies, have tested even the most accomplished batters. For Gill, who is still shaping his career as a top-order mainstay in Tests, the challenge will be both mental and technical.
Ravi Shastri, who coached India from 2017 to 2021 and was at the helm during India’s famous back-to-back series wins in Australia, understands the nuances of playing overseas as well as the potential that Gill possesses. His message to Gill was not one of warning but of preparation. Shastri emphasized the importance of patience, temperament, and understanding the rhythm of a Test match—especially in England, where conditions can change dramatically within a session.
Gill, who has been shuffled between opening and No. 3 in the Test side, will need to anchor innings with composure and confidence. While his stroke-making ability is unquestioned, the key to success in England will lie in his shot selection and ability to negotiate the new ball against high-quality swing bowlers. With James Anderson expected to lead the English pace attack for possibly one last time, and new talents like Ollie Robinson and Gus Atkinson in the mix, India’s top order will have to bring their A-game.
Shastri’s words echo the sentiments of many former players who believe that Gill has the potential to dominate Test cricket for the next decade. Yet, talent alone does not guarantee success in England. Past Indian greats, including legends like Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, built their reputations with gritty and methodical knocks under challenging circumstances on English soil. If Gill is to ascend to that level, he must learn to build innings brick by brick, especially when conditions are against him.
The England series will be a crucial test of Gill’s maturity and adaptability. With Virat Kohli absent from the initial games and Rohit Sharma at the twilight of his career, the burden of leadership and stability at the top might rest more heavily on Gill’s shoulders. But if he takes Shastri’s advice to heart—staying patient, respecting conditions, and grinding out runs—the tour could mark his true coming-of-age moment in red-ball cricket.
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