Shubman Gill has shared his excitement and commitment as he takes on the role of vice-captain for India's white-ball teams, emphasising the positive impact of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. In a press conference held in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, Gill praised Gambhir's clear communication and strategic approach to coaching, highlighting the importance of both tactical planning and player growth.
Gill will collaborate with Suryakumar Yadav in T20s and support Rohit Sharma in ODIs during the upcoming series, which also marks Gambhir’s debut tour as head coach after Rahul Dravid stepped down following India's T20 World Cup victory. "We are the world champions and we will look to play accordingly," Gill asserted, expressing the collective aim to continue their successful trajectory under Gambhir’s leadership. He noted that Gambhir's determination was palpable during their initial training sessions, emphasising the focused direction from the coaching staff.
Acknowledging his performance leading up to the T20 World Cup, Gill is keen on improving as India gears up for a demanding season ahead. He aims to establish himself as an all-format batsman, especially with a tough five-Test series in Australia approaching. When asked about the pressure of being vice-captain, Gill stated that his core focus remains on performance: "It (vice-captaincy) doesn’t change much. When I bat out there, I still need to perform, and I need to win matches for the team."
Gill also discussed the promising synergy between Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav, noting their shared vision for the team's success. He anticipates forming a strong batting partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal in T20s, believing their playing styles will complement each other effectively. Additionally, he recognised the influence of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, with whom he has previously worked at Kolkata Knight Riders, appreciating Nayar's dedication to player development and the nurturing atmosphere the coaching staff is fostering.
Overall, Shubman Gill's remarks reflect a combination of ambition, dedication, and confidence as he prepares for his new responsibilities and the challenges ahead for Team India.