3 reasons why Shubman Gill can be the X Factor player for India against England

Shubman Gill is set to play the first Test match against England, starting on Friday in Leeds, as the new Test captain. The 25-year-old has replaced Rohit Sharma at the helm of affairs after the former Indian opening batter retired from the Test format. Gill first toured England in 2021 when he was part of the playing XI for the first-ever WTC finals before playing two more games in the next two years. 

Gill is set to play his first full-fledged tour of England, and that too leading a young team without the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have retired. Team India will be starting their next World Test Championship cycle with this massive series. The onus is on Gill, who will be one of the most experienced batters in the side before the series begins. 

Here are the three reasons why Shubman Gill can be the X Factor in the ENG vs IND series

3. Current form with the bat 

Shubman Gill has been in good form with the bat in the IPL 2025 season and was one of the top scorers of the season. The 25-year-old batter can play fast bowling well and is also a very potent batsman against spin bowling. Shubman Gill is one of the few batters in the current Indian team with the ability to play strokes all across the ground and can see out the pace bowlers while batting at number 4 after having replaced Virat Kohli in the coveted batting spot

2. New Indian batting

India’s new test match skipper, Shubman Gill, is known to be a very quick scorer of runs, irrespective of which format he plays in cricket.  The right-handed batter can score runs at a quick pace and also give the team much-needed impetus in the red ball format of the game.. Shubman Gill has shown with white ball form how dangerous he can be against quality seam and spin bowling sides.

1. Captaincy gets the best out of Gill 

Ever since taking over as the captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, the 25-year-old has done well with the newfound responsibility. Elevation to the Test side captaincy will be sure to see Shubman Gill elevate his game, and that could see his batting shine. Gill has already done well as a captain of the Titans side, and that was seen with the way Gujarat played in the IPL 2025 season and reached the playoffs. 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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