Renowned cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has imparted vital advice to Shubman Gill, India's newly appointed Test captain, emphasizing the importance of behavior in leadership. Gavaskar stressed that a captain's conduct holds more significance than their on-field performance, a principle Gill is keen to uphold as he prepares to lead the team in a five-Test series against England starting June 20.
"There is always pressure on the player who gets elected as India's captain, as there is a big difference between being a member of the team and being the captain," Gavaskar remarked in an interview with Sports Tak. He underscored that, unlike team members who primarily engage with those close to them, a captain must earn the respect of all team players through exemplary behavior.
Following his selection to succeed Rohit Sharma, Gill expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging both the honor and responsibility that comes with the role. In a statement issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), he said, "I'm looking forward to this exciting opportunity, and I think the upcoming series in England is going to be a very thrilling one."
Gill, at just 25, aims to lead by personal example, focusing not only on performance but also on discipline and hard work off the field. He recognizes that he is stepping into a challenging position, particularly following the recent retirements of cricket giants Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
As he leads a team in transition, Gill noted that effective leadership requires knowing when to intervene with his players and when to allow them the autonomy to thrive. "Everyone has had a different life and grown up differently; everyone has a different personality. A good leader should always be able to identify what motivates each player to perform at their best," Gill stated.
