'The fact is that getting my captaincy was...': Dinesh Karthik reveals striking similarity between Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill on captaincy

Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has shed light on a recent conversation he had with former India skipper Virat Kohli. Karthik highlighted how Kohli wants to be perceived as a Test cricketer, and couldn’t help but notice how India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill shares a similar mindset. Karthik revealed that both want to be remembered for leading from the front, not just for their batting. Kohli has had his moments in the light of the sun; now it’s time for Gill to inherit the legacy.

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Shubman Gill gives positive first impression

Virat Kohli left the Indian fans in deep shock when he announced his retirement from Test cricket in May. Kohli abdicated the captaincy spot in January 2023. He holds a phenomenal record as Test captain. India won 40 of the 68 Tests when Kohli was the captain. Shubman Gill on the other hand has just been appointed following the exit of Rohit Sharma from the Test scene. Gill’s journey as the Test captain began on a rough note, as Team India endured a tough loss against England at Headingley. However, he immediately redeemed himself as captain by securing a glorious win at Edgbaston.

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Dinesh Karthik on how Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill share similar mindset

While performing his duty as a broadcaster, Dinesh Karthik divulged an observation he made.

“You spoke about Virat Kohli," Karthik said in a  Sky Sports  podcast. “I met him a few days ago, and this talk about captaincy came up. He said, ‘People think, I’m a great Test cricketer. I enjoyed my Test batting, which I did, but the fact is that getting my captaincy was the best thing to happen in my life.’ Why I am saying this is that the same line was used by Shubman Gill."

Karthik revealed a similar interaction with Gill, stating, “He said ‘I used to bat differently, but now that I’ve got captaincy, I almost think this is what my team requires, rather than me wanting to do something individually as a batter.’ I said wow, this is something for which the world of cricket has to take notice. Here is a man who has the appetite, he’s got the skill, he’s got the technique, but now he’s got the mindset as well. I’m the captain, I’m going to lead from the front, lead off the front foot."

Gill has walked the talk by displaying an inspirational batting display. He is leading the runs chart after two Tests with 585 runs at an average of 146.25, with two centuries and a double-hundred.