Shubman Gill Sets SENA Test Wins as Bigger Goal Than IPL Trophy

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June 19, 2025 0 608

India’s newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill believes winning a Test series in SENA countries(South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), holds greater value than lifting an IPL trophy. Gill, who will lead India for the first time in Tests on June 20 in Leeds against England, shared his perspective ahead of the five-match series.

The 25-year-old opener from Punjab has played 32 Tests so far and currently leads Gujarat Titans in the IPL. As he prepares to lead a relatively young side without experienced players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R. Ashwin, Gill noted the rarity of winning overseas Test series. With the IPL being an annual event, he considers overseas Test wins far more significant in shaping a captain’s legacy.

“Definitely the Test Series, in my opinion. You don’t get many opportunities as a captain to be able to come to England, maybe two (tours) if you are the best of your generation, (or) maybe three,”Gill said during the pre-match press conference.

“IPL comes every year, and you get to have a crack at it every year. In my opinion, winning a Test Series in England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa (collectively SENA countries) is bigger,” he added.

Shubman Gill says winning a Test series in England is bigger than winning the IPL 🏏 pic.twitter.com/WkVrIo2oJe

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 19, 2025

Shubman Gill remains confident despite leading a relatively inexperienced side into English conditions. With several players making their first Test tour of England, Gill believes it could be a strength.

Gill also confirmed that he will bat at No. 4, following a decision made in consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir after Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket.

“A lot of people talk about, you know, our side is not experienced, but there are also positives that we don’t really have any baggage coming to England, because not all of the players have really been to England,” he said.

“So that could be one thing that really makes a difference for us because we wouldn’t be carrying any baggage. The blueprint which we have got from our seniors in the last 5-10 years is that we can go and win anywhere; we will try to follow that with the same confidence,” Shubman Gill continued.

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“After Virat Bhai retired, I and GG (Gautam Gambhir) Bhai had a discussion about it, and we were both clear that he wanted me to bat at No. 4, and I was also clear that I also wanted to bat at that number,” he concluded.