While the IPL 2025 is still in full swing, Shubman Gill seems to have one eye on what's coming next for the Indian cricket team.
The Gujarat Titans skipper, who has led his team to the top of the points table, was recently seen doing something a bit unusual during an IPL campaign- training with a red ball.
This moment stood out. Not because red-ball practice is rare, but because it is happening during a high-stakes IPL season.
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As the Titans prepare for the playoffs, Gill is also quietly getting himself ready for India's upcoming Test series in England next month.
Why is Shubman Gill training with a red ball now?
At a recent nets session in Ahmedabad, most players were focused on IPL-style drills. But Gill stepped aside for a while. He picked up the red ball, played some defensive shots and worked on his Test technique.
India will begin their five-match Test series against England on June 20 and Gill clearly wants to be ready for the challenge. Even though IPL 2025 is still ongoing, the opener is carving out time to switch formats mentally and physically.
Shubman Gill practiced with the Red-ball for a brief time today in nets for the England tour. [IANS]
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 21, 2025
- A big series for Gill coming on June 20th. pic.twitter.com/vNkW0fpk9r
Gill's red-ball form hasn’t been great of late. In the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, he managed only 93 runs across five innings, with an average below 20.
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Maybe that is another reason why he is putting in the extra work now. England is never an easy place to bat, especially at the start of the summer when the ball swings a lot. So this early prep might help him rebuild his form.
Is Shubman Gill being considered for Test captaincy?
With Rohit Sharma having recently confirmed his retirement from Test cricket, the leadership spot is open. There are strong rumours that Gill might be one of the front-runners for the role in England.
The selectors haven’t confirmed anything yet, but the fact that Gill is preparing early could be a sign that he is already thinking like a leader.