"Learn from Kohli's mindset" - Former Indian opener's crucial captaincy advice to Shubman Gill ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra advised newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill to learn from Virat Kohli ahead of the five-Test series in England, starting June 20. Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma recently announced their Test retirements, resulting in India appointing Gill as the new Test captain.

Kohli led India with great success in Tests, winning 40 out of 68 matches and never losing a home series. India also won their first-ever Test series in Australia under him in 2018-19.

Looking ahead to Gill's captaincy stint in Tests, Chopra said on JioHotStar (via India Today):

"You can take inspiration from Virat Kohli’s success, his hunger for runs, his leadership—but not necessarily his batting number. That’s a very individual choice. Similarly, Shubman should play where he contributes best. Batting position isn’t about copying someone—it’s about where you fit in the team and how it benefits the side. Learn from Kohli’s mindset, play with an extra bowler if needed. That’s what leaders do—make sacrifices for the team."

Under Kohli, India also finished runners-up in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) cycle in 2021. As for Gill, he has led India only once in the five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe last year.

However, the youngster captained the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the recently concluded IPL to a third-place finish in the standings.

"Create a pack of wolves" - Aakash Chopra's advice to Shubman Gill

Aakash Chopra urged Shubman Gill to create a strong core within the Indian Test side after taking over as captain. Without Kohli and Rohit, India will have a relatively young and inexperienced batting lineup.

Yet, the first-time Test skipper can rely on the veteran leadership of Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul, both of whom have captained India in Tests in the past.

"Form a leadership group—bring 4–5 players together and build a core. Include Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. Create a pack of wolves. These are the guys who’ll be with you today, in six months, and five years down the line. With a young team, it's important that the captain grows with the group," said Chopra (via aforementioned source).

He concluded:

"Seniors and juniors often have different routines and circles—but with this new-look team, you have a chance to build a collective culture. It’s a rare opportunity to create a bond and a story that the entire nation will be proud of."

India have struggled in the Test format, losing their last two series to New Zealand at home and Australia in Australia. The upcoming England series will kickstart the 2025-27 WTC cycle for the Asian giants.