“He's walking into the lion's den.” - Dinesh Karthik warns Shubman Gill of the England challenge

Shubman Gill’s first assignment as Team India’s new Test captain will begin on 20 June, when India take on England at Headingley, Leeds, in the first of the five-match Test series. After former skipper Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the longest format of the game, Gill was named captain, and his journey will begin with the England tour.

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But ahead of the series opener, former Team India cricketer Dinesh Karthik feels Gill might not yet fully understand the responsibility he has been given. While speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Karthik said: “I really don't think he has realised the enormity of what it means to be a test captain for India as of now. He's walking into the lion's den. Coming to England as a cricketing nation is not easy. There has been many a team with superstars who have come in and have found it really hard.”

“I'm looking forward to this exciting opportunity” - Gill said after being appointed as the new Test skipper

However, this time around, England’s available bowling lineup looks a bit less lethal due to their lack of experience. Hence, Karthik believes that might work in favour of Gill and his men. “Luckily, for Shubman Gill, the England bowling attack is a very vulnerable. That is the only positive I see, they're going to be put under pressure with the batting. When I say bat, I mean England batting will definitely put the Indian team under pressure, but the bowling is an area that is still a work in progress for England, and that could very well play into India's hands,” he added.

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After being appointed as the new skipper, in his interview with BCCI.tv, Gill shared his excitement, saying: "It is definitely a bit overwhelming. As a young kid when anyone starts playing cricket, they want to play for India and not just play for India, play Test cricket for a very long time. To be able to get this opportunity is a great honour and it's a big responsibility. I'm looking forward to this exciting opportunity and the upcoming series against England is going to be an exciting one.”

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