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'Take Inspiration From Kohli, Form A Pack Of Wolves' - Aakash Chopra’s Advice To Skipper Shubman Gill
Follow UsChopra advised India’s new Test skipper to form a leadership group around him who would act like his pack of wolves against the opposition
Former India batter Aakash Chopra has advised India’s new Test skipper Shubman Gill to follow the route taken by Virat Kohli and lead from the front by showing hunger for runs and making sacrifices for the team. He also said that Gill should select his own batting number, rather than force-fitting himself at number four to follow Kohli’s footsteps.
“You can take inspiration from Virat Kohli’s success, his hunger for runs, his leadership—but not necessarily his batting number,” Aakash Chopra said on JioStar.
“Similarly, Shubman should play where he contributes best,” he added after discussions about Shubman taking the number four slot for the future came up.
“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.”
Chopra also advised India’s new Test skipper to form a leadership group comprising the senior players around him who would act like his pack of wolves against the opposition.
“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,” Chopra said.
“These are the guys who’ll be with you today, in six months, and five years down the line.”
Shubman Gill will be leading the Indian Test side for the first time when he steps out in the India blazer in the first Test against England at Headingley on June 20.