Ahmedabad | October 1st,2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
India’s Test captain Shubman Gill, fresh from his Asia Cup campaign, is now focused on leading the team in the two-match Test series against West Indies, starting Thursday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Gill stressed that the biggest challenge in switching from limited-overs to Test cricket is mental preparation rather than technical adjustments.
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Quick Turnaround from White-Ball to Red-Ball
“We had a couple of days of practice before the Test match, so it was a quick turnaround. I was just looking to work on defence and get in the zone; switching formats is more mental than technique,” Shubman Gill said.
He emphasized that India’s approach in this series will be about “playing hard, grinding cricket” and not relying on easy options. The young skipper recalled India’s deep battles in England, where Tests stretched into late days, and expressed confidence in his team’s ability to fight through challenging conditions.
Team Combination Still Under Discussion
On India’s potential playing XI, Shubman Gill revealed that the team is considering a third seamer depending on the pitch conditions in Ahmedabad.
“Given the weather and conditions, we’ll be tempted to have a third seaming option, but I think there’s still time for the Test. Once we check the field tomorrow and see how much moisture is there on the wicket, we’ll take a call,” Shubman Gill explained.
India has historically relied on spin-friendly pitches at home, but Gill noted the importance of balance: “We would be looking to play on wickets that offer something to both batsmen and bowlers.”
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Spin & Reverse Swing Still India’s Edge
Shubman Gill reminded that for any visiting team in India, the biggest challenges remain spin bowling and reverse swing. “If teams can play spin well and if they can challenge the reverse swing, they are going to get good success,” he said, suggesting that West Indies will have to overcome both factors to compete strongly.
The skipper added that with the depth of talent in the current Indian squad, the team can “turn around from any situation” and showcase dominance across conditions.
The Stakes in Ahmedabad
The two-Test series against West Indies marks India’s continued push to maintain dominance in the World Test Championship cycle. For Gill, it’s also a crucial moment as he builds his leadership credentials after taking over as full-time Test captain.
Fans will be eager to see whether Gill’s mental focus and tactical calls — including the possible inclusion of a third seamer — can set the tone for a winning campaign at home.
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