New Delhi: Spin legend Harbhajan Singh has expressed strong support for Shubman Gill’s appointment as India’s new Test captain, while urging fans to be patient and avoid premature judgments following the team’s upcoming England tour.
At just 25, Gill was named full-time captain of the Indian Test side on Saturday, with Rishabh Pant appointed as his deputy. This leadership change comes as India embarks on the new World Test Championship cycle starting with a challenging five-match series in England next month.
Speaking at the launch of the TV show ‘Who’s the Boss’ on Sunday, Harbhajan praised the decision to entrust a young and talented player like Gill with the captaincy, highlighting his impressive performances in franchise cricket. However, he acknowledged the tough challenge that lies ahead on English soil, noting that winning there has historically been difficult.
“With key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma absent, Shubman will need to lead from the front,” Harbhajan said. “But I want to ask fans not to judge the team too early, even if the results don’t go their way. It’s okay if they don’t win because they will learn and grow from the experience.”
Harbhajan expressed confidence that both Gill and Pant, along with the young squad, will improve as the tour progresses. He emphasized that patience is essential to allow the new leadership group to settle and develop their skills.
The England series marks a critical test for Gill’s captaincy. India aims to end their long wait for a Test series win in England, their last triumph dating back to 2007. But with England’s Ben Stokes leading a strong home side, the series promises to be a fiercely competitive contest between two top cricketing nations.
