 "'Make no mistake, that is a strong squad': Ex-England skippers Nasser Hussain, Eoin Morgan react to India's squad")
Shubman Gill has officially been named the new Test captain of India by the BCCI and the decision has received a big thumbs-up from former England captains Nasser Hussain and Eoin Morgan. Both legends praised the move and said Gill is ready to lead the team into a new era after the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Nasser Hussain calls Shubman a high-class player
Speaking to Sky Sports, Nasser Hussain said, “Nine months ago, if you put on a probable squad for India, you would probably have Ravi Ashwin in there, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma — three of the greats of Indian cricket. Well, they have all retired. With Rohit retiring, you need a new captain. Shubman gets that role, a great honour for him to be captain of India.”
Hussain explained that Jasprit Bumrah could have been a captain too, but India is clearly looking at the long term. “Jasprit Bumrah was vice-captain, has captained in the past, but obviously, with them saying that he may not play all five Test matches and his injury record, they are looking long-term — someone who can play for a very long time — and they feel Shubman Gill is that man. He is a high-class player, but his record away from home is not as good as at home. He has captained well recently in the IPL. I think he is a good choice.”
“But, as I said at the start, there are names missing there, and I think for that reason it’s a very good opportunity for England. But make no mistake, that is a strong squad, and whoever you bring in — Karun Nair, for example — hasn’t played Test match cricket for 8 years. Last time England saw him, he got a triple hundred against them, and he has been prolific in first-class cricket,” Hussain concluded.
Eoin Morgan backs Shubman Gill as captain
Eoin Morgan, who captained Gill in the IPL, echoed Hussain’s thoughts. “Some obvious names are missing – Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. But it’s still a very strong squad. I think the captaincy decision is the right one. I played alongside Shubman Gill at Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL a few years ago. He’s a natural leader. He takes on responsibility within a group and doesn’t mind questioning methodology within the camp. But ultimately, he keeps the collective goal in focus.”
“I would, without a doubt and without a ball being bowled, make England the favourites. I haven’t looked at any of the betting markets, but based on home form and the journey this England Test team is on, I’d say things are currently in their favour. It’s a good position to be in. I’ve played in some really poor teams where we were never the favourites. So yes, you’d rather be the favourites. But it’s definitely going to be a tough tour for India,” he added.
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