Transition was the buzzword as chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar spoke about the challenges that Shubman Gill will face as India's newest Test captain but insisted that the batting star has what it takes to revel in the "tough" role. Agarkar announced an 18-member squad in which Rishabh Pant will be Gill's deputy for the five-Test rubber starting on June 20 in Leeds. It will be the country's first Test assignment after stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirements from the format.
"Whether it's a tough experience, or, we have a really good series, whichever way you look at it, it is going to be tough and experience can only help going forward," Agarkar said in the press conference to announce the squad.
"At the moment, from what we're looking...be it franchise cricket, you can see that he's relishing the role. This is obviously going to be a lot harder. But those are the challenges you face playing international cricket," he added.
While both Kohli and Rohit pulled the plug in days leading up to the squad announcement, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had called it quits midway through the tour of Australia last year. Seamer Mohammed Shami was, however, not picked owing to his fitness issues.
Agarkar expressed confidence that the 25-year-old Gill is the one to take Indian Test side forward.
"It's a big job; it's a big transition. Two of your big players are retiring. But we're all confident that he's the guy to take us forward and hopefully, in time, that proves it. He's a terrific player and we're all very hopeful," Agarkar said.
"It's a massive transition. Rohit (had) been around for a while now. Before that, Virat (had) been around. It is the start of a new cycle and the experience can only help." Agarkar
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