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"Lead Like Kapil Dev": Yograj Singh Sends Strong Message To New Captain Shubman Gill

Rajgeeta Yadav

Yograj Singh on Shubman Gill [Source: @THECRICKET50 and @ANI/X.com]Yograj Singh on Shubman Gill [Source: @THECRICKET50 and @ANI/X.com]

Former Indian cricketer and father of Yuvraj Singh, Yograj Singh, has shared an important message for Shubman Gill, who is now leading the Indian Test team. Gill is captaining the side in the ongoing Test series against England, which began on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. With this, Shubman becomes the 37th player to captain India in Test cricket.

This is a big responsibility for Gill, as senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin have retired from the Test cricket. Notably, this series  also India’s first series in the 2025–26 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Yograj Singh Motivates Gill For England Series

Speaking to ANI, Yograj Singh shared advice for the young captain. Yograj believes Gill must take charge and guide the team like Kapil Dev did in the 1983 World Cup. He said, 

"A few days ago, I was talking to Yuvraj Singh about Abhishek (Sharma) and Shubman Gill. Yuvraj said he would have to lead from the front. As Shubman Gill goes out to bat, he has to stay at the crease for the maximum time. When a captain leads from the front, and scores run. It is important for Shubman to set a target of 100, 200 or 300. He has to lead from the front. He also has to take everyone forward together, just like Kapil Dev did in the 1983 World Cup. I believe India will win the series."

The India tour of England will run from June 20 to August 4, 2025, with matches being held at famous grounds like Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord’s (London), Old Trafford (Manchester), and The Oval (London).

Talking about the match, England won the toss and chose to bowl first. Before the match, young Sai Sudharsan received his Test cap from veteran Cheteshwar Pujara, while Karun Nair made a comeback after 8 years. India have gone with a three-pacer bowling attack for the game.