Shubman Gill on Vice-Captaincy: “My Role is to Ensure Young Players Think Right Under Pressure”

India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill discusses his leadership responsibilities, batting approach, and expectations from the Dubai pitch ahead of the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.

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Dubai [UAE], March 8: As India gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, vice-captain Shubman Gill has shed light on his evolving role in the team, his approach to batting, and the expected conditions at the Dubai International Stadium.

The world’s top-ranked ODI batter has embraced his leadership role alongside captain Rohit Sharma, balancing his on-field performances with guiding the younger players.

“Helping Young Players Stay Mentally Strong is My Job”

Speaking to reporters ahead of the final, Gill highlighted the shift in his responsibilities, explaining how his role goes beyond just scoring runs.

“You get to learn a lot. As a player, you have a responsibility with the bat and in the field. But as vice-captain, it’s also about ensuring that our young players are thinking the right way under pressure.”

Gill emphasized his role in guiding bowlers during crucial moments in the game.

“When a young fast bowler or spinner is under pressure, my role is to talk to them, understand their plans, and remind them of our strategies. Sometimes, in pressure situations, we forget the basics, and I try to keep them focused on executing the right plans.”

“My Batting is Based on Instinct, Not Pre-Planning”

Since stepping up as vice-captain, Gill has been in sublime form, leading the run charts against England before carrying that momentum into the Champions Trophy. He started the tournament with an unbeaten century against Bangladesh and played a crucial knock of 46(52) against Australia to stabilize India’s innings.

Discussing his batting philosophy, Gill said he focuses on reacting to situations rather than pre-planning his shots.

“I don’t pre-plan my shots. My game is built on instinct. I take calculated risks when I feel the bowler is under pressure. It’s about staying in the zone and making the right moves at the right time.”

“When you are batting, you get an idea of what kind of total is achievable on that wicket. Then, we try to add 15-20 extra runs to give our bowlers a cushion. That’s the mindset I have when I step in to bat.”

Dubai Pitch: A Familiar Challenge for India

With no team crossing the 300-run mark in the tournament so far, Dubai’s pitches have favored bowlers, especially spinners. Gill believes the final will be no different.

“I don’t think the wicket is going to behave any differently. We have not seen a 300-plus total here so far, and irrespective of the weather, the pitch will remain similar to what we have been playing on. As a team, we have a good understanding of how to bat and bowl on this surface.”

As India eyes another ICC title, Gill’s leadership and batting form will be crucial in their quest to overcome New Zealand and lift the Champions Trophy on Sunday.

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Tags: Shubman Gill, India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy Final, Vice-Captain, Rohit Sharma, Cricket Leadership, Dubai Pitch, ICC Cricket, ODI Cricket, Team India